See what states are the most and least LGBTQ+ friendly
Mike Fant
Massachusetts, which elected the nation’s first openly lesbian governor, Maura Healey, tied for first place with New York as the most welcoming for LGBTQ+ people, according to Out Leadership.
Massachusetts also became the first state to support transgender protections.
The state has had a Commission on LGBTQ+ Youth since 1992 which issues annual reports and recommendations to the government.
Bloodua, Getty ImagesMassachusetts also became the first state to support transgender protections.
The state has had a Commission on LGBTQ+ Youth since 1992 which issues annual reports and recommendations to the government.
New York, which guaranteed gender-affirming care and LGBTQ+ refugee protections, tied for first place in Out Leadership's 7th annual State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index.
In response to Florida’s 2022 “Don’t Say Gay” law, NYC Mayor Eric Adams invited LGBTQ+ Floridians to relocate to New York.
New York law prohibits exclusions for transgender care under both private health insurance and Medicaid.
Lavendertime, Getty Images/iStockphotoIn response to Florida’s 2022 “Don’t Say Gay” law, NYC Mayor Eric Adams invited LGBTQ+ Floridians to relocate to New York.
New York law prohibits exclusions for transgender care under both private health insurance and Medicaid.
Connecticut came in as the third most welcoming state for LGBTQ+ people, according to Out Leadership.
The state created an LGBTQ+ health network in 2019, with a budget to award grants to organizations filling community needs, becoming the first state to do this via statute.
In July 2018, Connecticut became the first state to legally ensure all individuals are treated consistent with their gender identity in prison.
Pgiam, Getty Images/iStockphotoThe state created an LGBTQ+ health network in 2019, with a budget to award grants to organizations filling community needs, becoming the first state to do this via statute.
In July 2018, Connecticut became the first state to legally ensure all individuals are treated consistent with their gender identity in prison.
The state of New Jersey, where same-sex couples have been able to adopt since 1997, is the fourth most LGBTQ+ friendly, according to Out Leadership.
In May 2024, New Jersey became the first state to have a state-backed certification for LGBTQ+-owned businesses.
In 2024, Gov. Phil Murphysigned a bill expanding health coverage for infertility treatment to LGBTQ+ individuals.
DenisTangneyJr, Getty ImagesIn May 2024, New Jersey became the first state to have a state-backed certification for LGBTQ+-owned businesses.
In 2024, Gov. Phil Murphysigned a bill expanding health coverage for infertility treatment to LGBTQ+ individuals.
Vermont was selected as the fifth most welcoming for LGBTQ+ people by Out Leadership.
In 2023, Gov. Phil Scott signed a law that establishes protections for providers and seekers of gender-affirming care, as well as those seeking or administering abortions.
Since 1992, LGBTQ+ non-discrimination laws have protected people from discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations on the basis of sex.
SeanPavonePhoto, Getty Images/iStockphotoIn 2023, Gov. Phil Scott signed a law that establishes protections for providers and seekers of gender-affirming care, as well as those seeking or administering abortions.
Since 1992, LGBTQ+ non-discrimination laws have protected people from discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations on the basis of sex.
Tennessee landed on the 46th spot of Out Leadership's 7th annual State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index, becoming one of the least welcoming state for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Gov. Bill Lee signed and enacted a bill that prohibits transgender youth from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity.
In 2023, Tennessee passed a statewide ban on drag shows with a bill that restricts “adult cabaret performances” in public or in the presence of children
Dee Liu, Getty ImagesGov. Bill Lee signed and enacted a bill that prohibits transgender youth from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity.
In 2023, Tennessee passed a statewide ban on drag shows with a bill that restricts “adult cabaret performances” in public or in the presence of children
South Dakota came in as the 47th least welcoming state for LGBTQ+ people, according to Out Leadership.
In 2023, the state passed a bill which forbids doctors from providing gender-affirming care to minors and also requires trans youth to detransition.
In 2017, the Governor of South Dakota signed into law a bill that allows adoption agencies to deny services and child placement based on religious objections and prohibits the state from taking adverse action against an agency that does so.
Powerofforever, Getty ImagesIn 2023, the state passed a bill which forbids doctors from providing gender-affirming care to minors and also requires trans youth to detransition.
In 2017, the Governor of South Dakota signed into law a bill that allows adoption agencies to deny services and child placement based on religious objections and prohibits the state from taking adverse action against an agency that does so.
Louisiana, which has a law prohibiting surrogacy contracts for same-sex couples, came in as the 48th least LGBTQ+ friendly state, according to Out Leadership.
Teachers in the state are prohibited from discussing LGBTQ+ topics in a positive manner.
The governor signed a bathroom bill that updates the state’s definition of male and female and prevents trans people from using the bathrooms that align with their gender identities.
DenisTangneyJr, Getty ImagesTeachers in the state are prohibited from discussing LGBTQ+ topics in a positive manner.
The governor signed a bathroom bill that updates the state’s definition of male and female and prevents trans people from using the bathrooms that align with their gender identities.
South Carolina landed at the 49th position as least welcoming state for LGBTQ+ people, according to Out Leadership.
In 2022, an anti-trans law signed by Gov. Henry McMaster restricts school sports participation for transgender students
South Carolina is one of three states with no hate crimes legislation on the books.
Traveler1116, Getty Images/iStockphotoIn 2022, an anti-trans law signed by Gov. Henry McMaster restricts school sports participation for transgender students
South Carolina is one of three states with no hate crimes legislation on the books.
The least LGBTQ+ friendly state is Arkansas, which ranked last for the third straight year, according to Out Leadership's 7th annual State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index.
In March 2023, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed both an anti LGBTQ+ bathroom bill and a bill restricting drag performance in the state.
All people living with HIV in Arkansas who know their HIV status must inform doctors or dentists of their HIV status before receiving treatment, and failure to meet this requirement is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison, a $2,500 fine or both.
Dlewis33, Getty ImagesIn March 2023, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed both an anti LGBTQ+ bathroom bill and a bill restricting drag performance in the state.
All people living with HIV in Arkansas who know their HIV status must inform doctors or dentists of their HIV status before receiving treatment, and failure to meet this requirement is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison, a $2,500 fine or both.
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