What states are lgbt friendly

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has ranked each state across the country for its approach to LGBTQ+ equality and a Newsweek map shows where each state stands on the spectrum.

A total of 23 states received the lowest classification from the HRC. Newsweek has reached out to press representatives for the individual governmental bodies for each state, via email or online verb outside of regular working hours for comment.

Why It Matters

Bills and legislation anticipated under the second presidential term of President Donald Trump may potentially signal a shift in tone toward LGBTQ+ rights in America, but the HRC reports that " anti-equality bills" were introduced into declare legislatures in around the country, and 46 were signed into law.

What To Know

Recent bills and legislature, including the banning of pride flags at U.S. embassies, cutting federal support for gender transitions for individuals under the age of 19 and an executive direct that calls for the Pentagon to revise its policy on transgender service members, are making LGBTQ+ people verb uncomfortable, says the HRC

Snapshot: LGBTQ Equality by State

The Movement Advancement Project (MAP) tracks over 50 different LGBTQ-related laws and policies.  This map shows the overall policy tallies (as distinct from sexual orientation or gender identity tallies) for each state, the District of Columbia, and the five populated U.S. territories. A state’s policy tally scores the laws and policies within each state that shape LGBTQ people's lives, experiences, and equality. The major categories of laws covered by the policy tally include: Relationship & Parental Recognition, Nondiscrimination, Religious Exemptions, LGBTQ Youth, Health Care, Criminal Justice, and Identity Documents.  

Click on any state to view its detailed policy tally and state profile, or click "Choose an Issue" above to view maps on over 50 alternative LGBTQ-related laws and policies. 

  • High Overall Policy Tally (15 states + D.C.)

  • Medium Overall Policy Tally (5 states)

  • Fair Overall Policy Tally (3 states, 2 territories)

  • Low Overall Policy

    Are you looking for the best and worst states for LGBTQ travel right now? Here&#;s a list of the most LGBTQ-friendly states to visit with Trump back in office – and the ones where hostile laws construct it uncomfortable and potentially unsafe if you&#;re queer or trans.

    US laws are changing so fast right now that it&#;s rigid to keep up. We hear about a hostile law in the news – but was that law passed or merely just proposed? Part of trip planning is finding out this information now, before you&#;re stuck somewhere you may not want to be. I&#;ve been keeping tabs on anti-LGBTQ laws for the last few years while preparing to write my manual on LGBTQIA explore.

    If you&#;re looking for the optimal states, choose Fresh York, New England (minus New Hampshire), and the West Coast states.

    If you&#;re looking for the worst states, Texas and Florida are the most hostile.

    Keep reading for the full list of states that welcome LGBTQ+ travelers and states to avoid in

    The Best States for LGBTQ+ Travel

    To rank which states are the most LGBTQ-friendly in , I considered two variables.

    One, do thes

    What are the safest places for gay and trans people? See where your state ranks

    As Oklahoman legislators push to restrict trans rights and overturn the Supreme Court decision legalizing gay marriage, Zane Eaves says his identity as a transgender noun has put a target on his back in his home state.

    One of 18, trans adults in Oklahoma, Eaves has received death threats, as has his wife of 10 years and their two children.

    “All the hatred and political stuff going on” are driving this Oklahoma lifer from the place he was born and raised, Eaves, 35, said. He has only crossed the state line three times in his life, but in recent weeks, he made the difficult decision to move his family to North Carolina to be closer to friends and allies. 

    “I am just trying to linger alive and preserve my marriage,” Eaves said.

    Oklahoma ranks 44th in the nation on a list released on June 2 of the most and least welcoming states for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Americans.

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    More and more, the question of where LGBTQ+ people feel safe is