New Jersey has elected its first woman state legislator from the LGBTQ+ community.
Luanne Peterpaul, a lesbian, won election Tuesday to the state Assembly from the 11th District, located in the central part of the state. She and fellow Democrat Margie Donlon unseated two Republican incumbents, Marilyn Piperno and Kim Eulner, who had won by narrow margins in 2021. In New Jersey, each district has two Assembly members and one senator; 11th District Sen. Vin Gopal, a Democrat, won reelection Tuesday.
New Jersey has had gay male state legislators before, including Republican Don Guardian, who was reelected to the Assembly from the Second District Tuesday, but never a woman from the LGBTQ+ population.
Peterpaul is a former Monmouth County prosecutor and has been a municipal judge in the cities of Long Branch and Asbury Park. She has been board chair for Garden State Equality, and in that post she was instrumental in creating the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights, which passed with bipartisan support in the state legislature. She was co-counsel defending challenges to the New Jersey law prohibiting conversion therapy for minors and played a significant role in bringing marriage equality to the state.
“I am beyond humbled to have earned the support of Monmouth County residents and am excited to get to work for them every day in the legislature,” Peterpaul said in a press release. “I am also humbled to be making history as the first openly gay woman elected to the New Jersey legislature. I stand on the shoulders of countless trailblazers who fought for equality and opened the door for people like me to serve my community in elected office. Thank you to everyone who showed up for our campaign this year. We truly could not have done this without the amazing community we built. I want to especially thank my wife, Robin, my incredible partner of 40 years, for joining me on this incredible journey. I might be the first, but I will certainly not be the last!”
Peterpaul was endorsed by LPAC, whose executive director, Lisa Turner, released this statement: “We are overjoyed to congratulate Luanne Peterpaul on her barrier-breaking victory tonight. Until today, New Jersey was one of six states that had never elected an LGBTQ woman to its state legislature. Luanne has been a tireless advocate for the LGBTQ community throughout her career and we can’t wait to see the positive impact she will have for our community and for District 11 constituents in the Assembly.”
She also was endorsed by the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, which noted that Tuesday saw a rainbow wave, with more out candidates elected than in any previous odd-numbered election year. More than 200 have won their elections in 2023, including 148 Tuesday, surpassing 2021’s record of 184.
“Bigoted politicians attempted to use LGBTQ+ people as a political weapon, but voters rejected those cynical tactics,” said a statement from Victory Fund President and CEO Annise Parker. “Anti-LGBTQ attacks failed across the nation, particularly in Virginia. Tonight, we elected a historic number of LGBTQ+ candidates who are ready to serve their communities. Tonight’s rainbow wave is a testament to the perseverance of LGBTQ+ political power and a bellwether for the 2024 election cycle. Equality wins elections — not culture war scare tactics.”
A nonbinary teacher in Florida was fired for using the gender-neutral title “Mx.” Now they’ve filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that could challenge the state’s “Don’t Say Gay” law.
According to WMNF, AV Vary recently came out as nonbinary and began using the title Mx. They say they informed the principal at Florida Virtual School (FLVS), a statewide online public school where they taught physics, of the change. “I let him know that I was doing it. And he didn’t say anything at first, and then about a month later he told me he needed me to change it,” Vary said.
On September 15, Vary received a written directive from the school letting them know that Ms., Mrs., or Miss were the only acceptable titles for them to use at work, the Orlando Sentinel reports. In late October, they were fired for refusing to use a title that did not align with their gender identity.
While FLVS spokesperson Laura Neff-Henderson would not comment on the reason for Vary’s termination, she told the Sentinel, “As a Florida public school, FLVS is obligated to follow Florida laws and regulations pertaining to public education.”
Earlier this year, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed into law an expansion of the state’s infamous Parental Rights in Education Act, commonly known to critics as the “Don’t Say Gay” law. H.B. 1069 includes restrictions on the pronouns and titles both students and public school employees can use.
But Vary notes an inconvenient wrinkle in the law. They told WMNF that they discussed using other gender-neutral titles with FLVS. “I was told that professor was not okay, Dr. was not okay for me because I didn’t have a Ph.D., but there are lots of people at FLVS who do use Dr., which, coincidentally, is also in violation of the same law I got disciplined for,” they said.
H.B. 1069 states that “an employee or contractor of a public K-12 educational institution may not provide to a student his or her preferred personal title or pronouns if such preferred personal title or pronouns do not correspond to his or her sex.” But the law does not address gender-neutral professional titles like Dr., which is used by people of all genders.
Vary has filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and hopes to challenge the Florida law. “I can fight this fight. I can be unemployed for a little while,” they told the Sentinel, citing their husband’s income. “I feel very strongly in standing up for those who can’t stand up for themselves.”
Florida state Rep. Anna Eskamani (D) said that Vary’s situation is exactly the kind of thing opponents of “Don’t Say Gay” feared when the law was passed. She also noted that “it’s pretty ridiculous to terminate teachers over something like this” during the state’s ongoing teacher shortage.
In September, Florida Education Association President Andrew Spar told Fox 13that there were more than 7,000 teacher and support staff vacancies across the state. He said that the Parental Rights in Education and Stop WOKE Acts have contributed to the crisis.
Mexican authorities on Tuesday sent conflicting messages about the violent death of a leading LGBTQ figure after thousands marched Monday night demanding justice.
Jesús Ociel Baena was found dead next to their partner in their home in the central Mexican city of Aguascalientes on Monday, according to state prosecutors. Baena, the first openly nonbinary person to assume a judicial post in Mexico, was one of the most visible LGBTQ figures in a country where the community is often violently targeted.
Baena and their partner had already received death threats and hateful messages and had protection from state security, prompting many across the country Monday to call their death a hate crime.
Authorities have provided minimal details about the slaying and local prosecutors hinted it may have been a murder-suicide.
“It may seem like a not very credible hypothesis to many, but we’re being very careful to leave a record and preserve all evidence,” said state prosecutor Jesús Figueroa Ortega.
Federal authorities, however, urged caution in the investigation Tuesday. Félix Arturo Medina, an official with Mexico’s Interior Ministry, said “it’s important to not throw out any line of investigation,” adding that they hoped to coordinate with state authorities to investigate the deaths.
“It’s a relevant case for us, not just because of the activism the magistrate was carrying out,” but also because the government wants all crimes to be investigated, Medina said.
Impunity runs rampant in Mexico. Only 1% of all crimes committed were reported, investigated and resolved in 2022, according to a survey by National Institute of Statistics and Geography.
The state authorities’ hypothesis was quickly rejected by many in Mexico’s LGBTQ community.
Alejandro Brito, director of the LGBTQ rights group Letra S urged authorities to continue to investigate the incident and to take into consideration the context of the case, and threats of violence against Baena.
Brito called state prosecutor’s version of events “loaded with prejudices” and said quick conclusions made by local authorities have only deepened distrust of authorities among historically victimized communities.
“In these types of homicides they always try to disqualify or belittle,” Brito said. “These statements that the prosecutor is giving, what they’re doing isn’t clarifying the acts, they’re adding fuel to the fire of these prejudices.”
People who knew Baena said the magistrate and Herrera in recent weeks were chipper and talked passionately about future activism.
Brito was echoed by thousands who gathered in the heart of Mexico City lighting candles over photos of Baena and other victims of anti-LGBTQ violence Monday night. They shouted “Justice” and “We won’t stay silent” and demanded a thorough investigation into the deaths.
“Ociel is, and was, the most relevant figure in today’s fight for human rights for the LGBTQ+ community,” said Humberto Dena, a 24-year-old carrying a candle alongside thousands of others in the march. “We want [the authorities] to continue to investigate this case, and not just say it was a ‘crime of passion.’”
In becoming a magistrate in October 2022, Baena was thought to be the first nonbinary person in Latin America to assume a judicial position. Baena broke through another barrier this May as one of a group of people to be issued Mexico’s first passports listing the holders as nonbinary.
Baena appeared in regularly published photos and videos wearing skirts and heels and toting a rainbow fan in court offices and advocated on social media platforms, drawing hundreds of thousands of followers.
“I am a nonbinary person. I am not interested in being seen as either a woman or a man. This is an identity. It is mine, for me, and nobody else. Baena posted on X, formerly Twitter, in June. “Accept it.”
Last month, the electoral court presented Baena with a certificate recognizing the magistrate with the gender neutral noun “maestre,” a significant step in Spanish, a language that splits most of its words between two genders, masculine or feminine.
While Mexico has made significant steps in reducing anti-LGBTQ violence, Brito’s Letra S documented a jump in violence against sexual minorities in 2019. In that year alone, at least 117 lesbian, gay and bisexual and transgender people were slain. Many were grisly killings, including brutal stabbings and public slayings.
The National Observatory of Hate Crimes Against LGBTI+ Persons in Mexico registered 305 violent hate crimes against sexual minorities in 2019-2022, including murder, disappearances and more.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.
Policies pertaining to LGBTQ+ Americans and their rights have dominated headlines over the past year. Recently passed anti-LGBTQ legislation has underscored the urgent need to examine the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in America as many LGBTQ Americans announce they’re on the move to more accepting cities, states, and even countries.
The Human Rights Campaign declared a “state of emergency” for LGBTQ Americans and issued a national warning and guidebook, which highlights the ongoing struggles this community faces. We found in prior research that 38% of Americans still oppose same-sex marriage, a sobering reminder that the fight for equality is far from over.
Amid these challenges, we find glimmers of hope and resilience in various corners of the U.S. Pittsburgh’s city council passed bills aimed at protecting the LGBT community, while Kansas City proudly declared itself an LGBTQ sanctuary city. Notably, New York City hosts one of the world’s largest pride celebrations, attracting a staggering 2 million attendees and showcasing the vibrant and resilient spirit of its LGBTQ community.
Our study not only balances the fun aspects of the LGBTQ community but also the political realities necessary for LGBTQ Americans to thrive when they are moving across state lines for better futures amid rising costs of living.
To identify which cities are the most LGBTQ-friendly, our weighted rankings evaluated the following criteria:
7x: Percent of state population that is LGBTQ
7x: Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) chapters per 100,000 residents
6x: Designated LGBTQ-affirming health care providers per capita
6x: Number of anti-trans legislation passed at the state level
6x: Pride events per 100,000 residents
5x: National LGBT Chamber of Commerce chapters
5x: Percentage of residents opposing to anti-discrimination laws
5x: Gay bars per 100,000 residents
3x: Percentage of residents opposing same-sex marriage
3x: Municipal equality score
3x: State equality tally score
3x: Inclusive curricular standards
2x: Parental opt-out laws
2x: “Don’t Say Gay” laws
Find out how the 50 most-populous metros in the U.S. stack up against each other in terms of LGBTQ-friendliness.
Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities Stats 🏳️🌈
San Francisco is America’s most LGBTQ-friendly city, while Memphis is the least friendly. Jump to section👇
California has the highest state equality tally score (100), while Tennessee has the lowest (-11.5).👇
Fifteen of the 50 most-populous metros in the U.S. are located in states with “Don’t Say Gay” laws.👇
New Orleans has the most pride celebrations per capita (0.32), while Houston has the fewest (0.01).👇
New Orleans has the most gay bars per 100,000 residents (1.43), while Riverside, California, has the fewest (0.06).👇
Raleigh, North Carolina, has the highest number of LGBTQ-affirming health care providers per capita (5.73), while Buffalo, New York, has the lowest at just 0.09 providers per capita.👇
Providence, Rhode Island, and Nashville, Tennessee, residents are the most supportive of anti-discrimination laws. Just 9% of residents oppose them. Kansas City, Missouri, and Birmingham, Alabama, have the highest opposition rate at 33%.👇
The 50 Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities, Ranked
Rank
Metro
State LGBTQ Population (%)
Gay Bars per Capita
Pride Events per Capita
Municipal Equality Score*
State Equality Tally Score**
State LGBTQ+ Inclusive Curricular Standards
State Parental Opt-Out Laws
State “Don’t Say Gay” Laws
PFLAG Chapters per Capita***
NGLCC Chapters****
LGBTQ Affirming Health Care Providers per Capita*****
State Anti-Trans Legislation Passed
% of Residents Opposing Non-Discrimination Laws
% of Residents Opposing Same-Sex Marriage
–
Study Average
5.1
0.3
0.07
95
16.7
N
N
N
0.08
0.9
1.4
1.7
19%
27%
1
San Francisco, CA
6
0.63
0.09
100
43
Y
N
N
0.13
2
1.73
0
12%
21%
2
Hartford, CT
5
0.08
0.08
100
39
Y
N
N
0.25
1
1.65
0
22%
11%
3
Las Vegas, NV
6
0.57
0.22
100
40.5
Y
N
N
0.04
1
0.39
0
12%
19%
4
Portland, OR
8
0.36
0.04
100
38.5
Y
N
N
0.04
1
3.07
0
20%
17%
5
Denver, CO
6
0.61
0.03
100
42.5
Y
N
N
0.07
1
1.75
0
17%
15%
6
Los Angeles, CA
6
0.11
0.07
100
43
Y
N
N
0.07
2
0.58
0
15%
25%
7
San Diego, CA
6
0.37
0.12
100
43
Y
N
N
0.03
1
1
0
14%
18%
8
Sacramento, CA
6
0.29
0.04
100
43
Y
N
N
0.08
1
0.79
0
17%
26%
9
Chicago, IL
5
0.22
0.05
100
37.5
Y
N
N
0.11
1
0.79
0
15%
25%
10
New Orleans, LA
5
1.43
0.32
100
-4.5
N
N
Y
0.08
1
1.82
1
11%
31%
11
San Jose, CA
6
0.26
0.05
97
43
Y
N
N
0.05
0
1.23
0
17%
13%
12
Richmond, VA
5
0.3
0.08
100
25.5
N
N
N
0.15
1
1.29
0
21%
20%
13
Pittsburgh, PA
4
0.25
0.08
100
16.5
N
N
N
0.08
1
2.72
0
14%
18%
14
Baltimore, MD
5
0.18
0.04
100
31.5
N
N
N
0.14
1
1.76
0
19%
27%
15
Milwaukee, WI
6
0.45
0.06
100
18.5
N
N
N
0.13
1
0.83
0
20%
24%
16
Minneapolis, MN
4
0.22
0.03
100
36
N
N
N
0.03
1
2.06
0
10%
17%
17
Boston, MA
6
0.12
0.02
100
36
N
N
N
0.02
1
1.49
0
15%
16%
18
Seattle, WA
5
0.47
0.05
100
38.25
N
N
N
0.02
1
2.02
0
18%
23%
19
Cleveland, OH
5
0.34
0.1
100
10.75
N
N
N
0.05
1
1.78
0
16%
27%
20
New York, NY
5
0.37
0.04
100
40.5
N
N
N
0.05
1
0.49
0
16%
28%
21
Providence, RI
6
0.36
0.06
100
33
N
N
N
0.06
0
1.07
0
9%
32%
22
Philadelphia, PA
4
0.14
0.02
100
16.5
N
N
N
0.14
1
1.3
0
20%
23%
23
Riverside, CA
6
0.06
0.02
100
43
Y
N
N
0
0
0.15
0
17%
19%
24
Washington, DC
5
0.25
0.05
100
38.5
N
N
N
0.05
1
0.38
0
18%
25%
25
Indianapolis, IN
5
0.14
0.05
80
0
N
N
Y
0.14
1
3.76
3
16%
25%
26
Columbus, OH
5
0.51
0.05
100
10.75
N
N
N
0.05
1
2.14
0
18%
35%
27
Louisville, KY
3
0.23
0.08
100
5.25
N
N
Y
0.08
1
5.68
2
15%
38%
28
Detroit, MI
4
0.18
0.02
100
22
N
N
N
0.09
1
0.78
0
22%
24%
29
Charlotte, NC
5
0.19
0.04
86
7.25
N
N
Y
0.15
2
1.37
3
21%
30%
30
Salt Lake City, UT
6
0.32
0.08
100
9.25
N
N
N
0.08
1
1.98
4
17%
38%
31
Austin, TX
5
0.26
0.13
100
-1
N
N
Y
0.09
1
2.21
4
16%
23%
32
Atlanta, GA
4
0.21
0.02
100
-0.5
N
N
N
0.13
1
1.2
1
14%
34%
33
Cincinnati, OH
5
0.27
0.04
100
10.75
N
N
N
0.09
0
1.5
0
19%
24%
34
Raleigh, NC
5
0.07
0.07
85
7.25
N
N
Y
0.07
1
5.73
3
16%
45%
35
Virginia Beach, VA
5
0.17
0.06
100
25.5
N
N
N
0.06
0
0.22
0
21%
20%
36
Phoenix, AZ
6
0.26
0.02
100
6
N
Y
N
0
1
0.44
0
18%
27%
37
Buffalo, NY
5
0.34
0.09
94
40.5
N
N
N
0.09
0
0.09
0
26%
46%
38
Nashville, TN
3
0.35
0.05
77
-11.5
N
Y
N
0.2
1
0.94
10
9%
15%
39
San Antonio, TX
5
0.38
0.04
100
-1
N
N
Y
0.08
1
0.92
4
24%
16%
40
Orlando, FL
5
0.22
0.15
100
-0.75
N
Y
Y
0.04
1
1.23
5
18%
16%
41
Kansas City, MO
5
0.27
0.05
100
-0.25
N
N
N
0.05
2
0.95
3
33%
35%
42
St. Louis, MO
5
0.21
0.04
100
-0.25
N
N
N
0.07
0
0.89
3
20%
25%
43
Tampa, FL
5
0.28
0.03
100
-0.75
N
Y
Y
0.12
1
1.09
5
16%
26%
44
Oklahoma City, OK
4
0.42
0.07
78
-5.75
N
N
Y
0.14
0
1.04
3
18%
30%
45
Dallas, TX
5
0.24
0.04
100
-1
N
N
Y
0.04
1
0.57
4
22%
22%
46
Miami, FL
5
0.08
0.1
89
-0.75
N
Y
Y
0.03
2
0.72
5
17%
32%
47
Birmingham, AL
5
0.18
0.09
100
-9.5
N
N
Y
0.18
0
0.9
2
33%
35%
48
Jacksonville, FL
5
0.12
0.06
79
-0.75
N
Y
Y
0.06
0
0.61
5
14%
11%
49
Houston, TX
5
0.22
0.01
73
-1
N
N
Y
0.03
1
0.37
4
20%
29%
50
Memphis, TN
3
0.22
0.07
54
-11.5
N
Y
N
0
1
0.37
10
14%
36%
*100-point scale **43.5-point tally scale ***Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays chapters ****National LGBT Chamber of Commerce chapters *****Within a 25-mile radius
The 15 Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities
With five cities in the top 15 — including San Francisco, our No. 1 LGBTQ-friendly city — California is the most LGBTQ-friendly state. In terms of its policies, it has a near-perfect equality tally score of 43 out of 43.5, which is attractive to LGBTQ Americans looking to move to more inclusive states.
In addition to laws passed by their state congresses, the top 15 cities have enacted municipal laws that protect their residents. The top 15 cities have an average city municipal equality score of 99 out of 100.
Only one city in the top 15 is located in a state that has passed anti-trans legislation. Louisiana may have restrictive laws, but New Orleans stands out from other cities in the South.
The top 15 cities, of course, have a high number of gay bars per capita: 0.4 per 100,000 residents on average — compared to 0.22 in the bottom 10 cities.
Despite hosting the world’s largest Pride celebration, New York City didn’t make the top 15 — coming in at No. 20 instead. New York City has a particularly low number of PFLAG chapters, with just 0.05 per 100,000 residents — 38% fewer than the average metro (0.08).
It also has just 0.49 LGBT-affirming health care providers per 100,000, which is 65% fewer than the average metro in our study (1.4). There are also no inclusive curricular standards in the state of New York.
1. San Francisco, CA
🌈 Rainbow Families San Francisco need not prove why it’s the No. 1 most LGBTQ-friendly city, as it’s already a popular destination for LGBTQ tourists. LGBTQ locals are also in luck: The Bay Area has 0.13 PFLAG chapters per 100,000 residents, 63% more than the average metro in our study (0.08).
San Francisco got a big boost for being located in a state with such inclusive policies for LGBTQ Americans. However, it boasts some impressive stats on its own.
With a remarkable 0.63 gay bars per 100,000 residents, it soars 110% above the average city in our study, making it a vibrant hotspot for LGBTQ+ nightlife and culture. But it’s not just about the party scene. San Franciscans are more inclusive than average, with only 12% opposing non-discrimination laws for LGBTQ Americans — 37% lower than the national average of 19%.
At 6% of its total population, San Francisco’s LGBTQ community slightly surpasses the national proportion of 5.1%, solidifying its status as a welcoming and diverse haven.
2. Hartford, CT
🏛️ Representin’ Hartford is the only Connecticut city in the 50 most-populous metros in the U.S. As such, it gets to represent its state in our study, and its residents should be proud! Connecticut’s state equality tally score is 39 — 134% higher than the average state’s tally score of 16.7.
Hartford is the third-smallest metro in the study, so it has just 0.08 gay bars per 100,000 residents, which is tied with Miami for the third-lowest number. That’s 73% fewer gay bars than the average city in our study (0.3).
However, it makes up for this by having a more inclusive and supportive community than other cities. The Hartford metro area has 0.25 PFLAG chapters per 100,000 resident – 213% more than the average metro in our study (0.08). Additionally, just 11% of Hartford residents oppose same-sex marriage, the lowest percentage in the study. That’s 59% fewer than the national response of 27%.
3. Las Vegas, NV
🎰 Pride Jackpot As a city known for its nightlife and party scene, it may come as no surprise that Pride Month in Las Vegas is exceptional. The Las Vegas metro area has 0.22 pride events per 100,000 residents annually — 214% more than the average metro in our study (0.07).
Las Vegas doesn’t just dazzle on the famous Strip. It shines as an oasis of LGBTQ inclusivity. Just 19% of its residents oppose same-sex marriage. That’s 30% fewer than the average city in our study (27%).
Keeping with its image, Las Vegas also boasts 0.57 gay bars per 100,000 residents — 90% more than the average city in our study (0.3). Las Vegas is home to the popular Hamburger Mary’s and The Phoenix Bar & Lounge, both staples of the LGBTQ community.
With a state equality tally score of 40.5, Nevada as a whole scores an impressive 143% above the average state’s tally score of 16.7.
4. Portland, OR
🧑🤝🧑 In Good Company Boosting Portland’s rank is its location in Oregon, the state with the largest percentage of LGBTQ residents. Oregon’s LGBTQ population of 8% is 57% more than the national proportion of 5.1%.
When it comes to LGBTQ inclusivity, Portland isn’t just leading the way, it’s also setting the pace. With an impressive 3.07 LGBTQ-affirming health care providers per 100,000 residents, it rises 119% above the average metro in our study (1.4), ensuring the community’s health care needs are met with care and compassion.
Oregon’s commitment to equality is also undeniable, with a state equality tally score of 38.5, an astonishing 131% higher than the average state’s score of 16.7. Portland also benefits from having a thriving LGBTQ community. With 0.36 gay bars per 100,000 residents, Portland is home to 20% more than the average city in our study (0.3).
5. Denver, CO
🤲 Sound State Cementing Colorado’s reputation as a progressive state and Denver’s allure to the LGBTQ community, Colorado’s state equality tally score is 42.5 — 154% higher than the average state’s tally score of 16.7
In Denver, diversity thrives. With a stunning 0.61 gay bars per 100,000 residents, it stands 103% above the average city in our study (0.3). This city doesn’t just embrace love, it also champions it, with only 15% opposing same-sex marriage, a substantial 44% lower than the national average (27%).
Moreover, Denver ensures access to compassionate health care, boasting an estimated 1.75 LGBTQ-affirming health care providers per 100,000 residents, a solid 25% more than the average metro in our study (1.4).
6. Los Angeles, CA
🎬 Lights, Camera, Action Like San Francisco, Los Angeles is another Californian city known for its LGBTQ community. It’s the filming location of community staples such as RuPaul’s Drag Race and Dragula. It is also known for the iconic neighborhoods of West Hollywood and Silver Lake, which are home to several notable gay bars.
The number of annual pride events in Los Angeles is tied with the national average at 0.07 per 100,000 residents. The L.A. Pride Festival & Parade is one of the most well-attended pride events in the country, with an estimated 146,000attending last year.
Los Angeles is also slightly more tolerant than other U.S. cities. Just 15% oppose non-discrimination laws, a noteworthy 21% less than the national average of 19%. Moreover, when it comes to same-sex marriage, the city stands out with only 25% opposing, a commendable 7% below the national average of 27%.
7. San Diego, CA
💃 Time to Party In “America’s Finest City,” the pride truly shines through, boasting an impressive 0.12 pride events per 100,000 residents annually, a spirited 71% above the average in our study.
San Diego has long been a popular LGBTQ destination, dating to the 1950s when venues like Bradley’s and Blue Jacket attracted travelers from all over the country. These days, the iconic Gossip Grill – a bustling lesbian-centered bar and grill – is a community standout that is a hot spot for LGBTQ tourists and locals alike.
Given its illustrious LGBTQ history, it’s no surprise that people in San Diego are more progressive when it comes to LGBTQ topics. Just 14% of San Diego residents oppose non-discrimination laws, which is 26% lower than the national response of 19%. Furthermore, only 18% are in opposition to same-sex marriage, a significant 33% less than the overall national response of 27%.
8. Sacramento, CA
🏆 10s Across the Board Sacramento is yet another California city with a commitment to protecting the rights of LGBTQ residents. It has a perfect municipal equality score of 100.
In Sacramento, just 17% of residents oppose non-discrimination laws — 11% below the national average of 19%. Additionally, only 26% oppose same-sex marriage, a heartening 4% lower than the national average of 27%.
But Sacramento doesn’t stop there — it’s a city that actively fosters LGBTQ+ inclusivity. It boasts a National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and the Sacramento LGBT Community Center, demonstrating its dedication to providing resources and opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community to thrive.
9. Chicago, IL
📜 Legislating by Example When it comes to state policies concerning LGBTQ+ rights, Illinois stands out with an impressive state equality tally score of 37.5, surpassing the average state’s tally score of 16.7 by a remarkable 125%.
Chicago has a reputation for being a progressive city in the Midwest, and the stats support that view. Chicago is home to 0.11 PFLAG chapters per 100,000 residents – 38% above the average metro in the study (0.08).
Chicagoans also seem to be a bit more tolerant than Americans in other cities. Only 15% of its residents oppose non-discrimination laws, a remarkable 21% lower than the national average of 19%. Moreover, just 25% oppose same-sex marriage, a modest 7% lower than the national response of 27%.
10. New Orleans, LA
🎭 A Southern Standout Despite being in a state with a low equality tally score (-4.5), New Orleans’ LGBTQ community continues to thrive. New Orleans is home to 1.43 gay bars per 100,000 residents — the highest in the study! That’s 5x more than the average city (0.3).
With 0.32 pride events per 100,000 residents annually, New Orleans has 357% more pride events than the average metro in our study (0.07). It proudly claims the title of most pride events per capita, proving that in NOLA, celebration knows no bounds.
But New Orleans doesn’t just stop at parades and parties. It is home to 1.82 LGBTQ-affirming health care providers per 100,000, which is 30% more than the national average (1.4).
When it comes to inclusivity, NOLA is an example in the South. Just 11% of its residents oppose non-discrimination laws — 42% lower than the national average of 19%.
11. San Jose, CA
💫 Well-Rounded Compared to other California cities, San Jose ranks the lowest, only above Riverside. However, given that California is one of the highest-ranked states in terms of equality, San Jose still proves to be an LGBTQ-friendly city.
In the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose charts its unique course when it comes to LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Although it has 12% fewer LGBTQ-affirming health care providers per 100,000 residents than the average metro area (1.4), it’s buoyed by its location in a progressive state and a near-perfect municipal equality score of 97 out of 100.
Its residents are also more tolerant than those in other cities. With just 17% opposing non-discrimination laws, it stands 11% below the national average of 19%. Moreover, in the realm of love and marriage, San Jose is a leading city with only 13% opposing same-sex marriage, a remarkable 52% lower than the national average of 27%.
12. Richmond, VA
🤝 Rich in Friends Richmond not only boasts a perfect municipal equality score of 100, it’s also home to 0.15 PFLAG chapters per 100,000 residents — 88% more than the national average — making it another standout LGBTQ city in the South.
Although Virginia could improve its policies pertaining to LGBTQ rights, its state equality score of 25.5 is still 53% higher than the average state’s score of 16.7.
Richmond, specifically, is slightly more tolerant than other cities in the country. Just 20% of Richmond residents oppose same-sex marriage — compared to 27% nationally.
When it’s time to celebrate, Richmond knows how to do it right with a spirited 0.08 pride events per 100,000 residents annually, a robust 14% more than the average metro in our study,
13. Pittsburgh, PA
🏥 An Abundance of Care Pittsburgh is another standout when it comes to LGBTQ health care accessibility, offering 2.72 LGBTQ-affirming health care providers per 100,000 residents. That’s 94% higher than the average metro in our study, ensuring that the community’s medical needs are well-cared for.
Pittsburgh is leading the way in municipal policies that protect LGBTQ residents. These policies are backed by a thriving community whose culture is also putting Pittsburgh on the map as an LGBTQ destination.
Pittsburgh hosts 0.08 pride events per 100,000 residents each year — 14% more than the average metro in our study (0.07).
But Pittsburgh isn’t just about parades. It’s also a city of acceptance. With just 14% of residents opposing non-discrimination laws, there are 26% fewer Pittsburghers in opposition to these protections than the national average (19%).
14. Baltimore, MD
⚖️ Tipping the Scales While not perfect, Maryland does stand out from the crowd. With a state equality tally score of 31.5, Maryland’s score is 89% higher than the average score of 16.7.
With an impressive 0.14 PFLAG chapters per 100,000 residents, Baltimore is home to 75% more PFLAG chapters than the average city (0.08). Baltimore also champions health care accessibility, boasting an estimated 1.76 LGBTQ-affirming health care providers per 100,000 residents — 26% more than the national average (1.4).
Although Maryland’s LGBTQ+ population hovers just below the national proportion at 5%, Baltimore stands out with its dedication to progress. It not only hosts an NGLCC chapter, but it also proudly boasts a perfect municipal equality score of 100, showcasing a commitment to ensuring LGBTQ rights are protected via policy and support for LGBTQ business.
15. Milwaukee, WI
👪 In Good Company Family support is crucial for the well-being of LGBTQ individuals. With 0.13 PFLAG chapters per 100,000 residents, Milwaukee has 63% more chapters than the average city in our study (0.08).
The Milwaukee metro area shines with 0.45 gay bars per 100,000 residents — 50% more than the 0.3 in the average city. Additionally, Milwaukee residents demonstrate a lower rate of opposition to same-sex marriage. Just 24% of Milwaukeeans oppose same-sex marriage, which is 11% less than the national average of 27%.
Furthermore, Wisconsin earned a state equality tally score of 18.5, an 11% higher than the average state tally score of 16.7.
In 2008, Dan Leveille, 35, was studying computer science at the Rochester Institute of Technology when California voters passed Proposition 8, eliminating the right of same-sex couples to marry in the state. It was a sucker punch to the queer community, including Leveille, who found himself wanting to bring order to how he thought about LGBTQ+ rights in the US.
His solution was Equaldex, a passion project that visualizes the state of queer rights not only at home but around the world. The site has become a trusted resource for governments, the media, and LGBTQ+ travelers everywhere.
Related:
LGBTQ Nation spoke with Leveille about Equaldex from his home in Los Angeles.
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LGBTQ Nation: What inspired you to come up with an LGBTQ+ rights visualization tool?
Dan Leveille: When the Prop 8 stuff happened, I got pretty interested in it. And then there were a lot of states that were legalizing same-sex marriage, and a lot of laws were changing. And I remember at some point I was like, “Wait, did that state legalize it? When did that happen?” And I’m like, “Wow, I wish there was like some sort of site that showed all of these changes, like, a map.”
I launched it in 2014.
LGBTQ Nation: How did you envision it being used by others as you were building it?
DL: I first imagined it for my own use just tracking all the changes. But the number of countries that criminalize being gay, the number of countries that, you know, jailed people or even have the death penalty, that stuff is really compelling. And maybe the LGBTQ activists know this, but the general public might not. And I think bringing to light those facts is very important. This could kind of put pressure and visibility on the parts of the world that aren’t progressing.
LGBTQ Nation: What are some of the unexpected ways that Equaldex has been used since you put it up?
DL: One thing that is very obvious, probably, but just didn’t occur to me is how it’s used as a travel guide. That wasn’t immediately obvious to me, but it makes perfect sense. There’s been a lot of interest from travel agencies so that travelers will know, “Oh, this country you’re visiting, these laws, you might want to be careful or reconsider.”
General Electric, they use Equaldex data for some of their internal systems for traveling for employees. It makes sense because companies want to be careful about where they’re sending their employees, especially if there are laws against being gay.
LGBTQ Nation: Does General Electric throw you some bucks for using Equaldex?
DL: No, it’s generally not really a big deal to me. If a company wants to apply this data, I don’t have any issue with it. I like keeping the service free, just in principle.
LGBTQ Nation: GE could make a donation for your trouble.
DL: Yeah, for sure.
LGBTQ Nation: What’s the most LGBTQ+-friendly country on the planet?
DL: Currently I have this system on the site called the Equality Index, which ranks legal rights and public opinion. It’s a newer metric that I added. The countries with the highest ranking right now are Iceland, as number one, and Denmark and Norway. Malta, the Netherlands and Canada are up there.
LGBTQ Nation: And what’s the country you identify as the most hostile to LGBTQ+ identity?
DL: If you’re looking at the Equality Index, the Middle East and Africa are generally the worst in terms of both the laws and the public opinion there.
Dan Levielle The LGBT Equality Index on Equaldex
LGBTQ Nation: You’re looking at the data pretty much every day. What are some of the trends that you can point out?
DL: That’s a good question. Outside of the Middle East and Africa, there’s definitely a lot of progress being made overall. I focus a lot on the US, and polling has shown overwhelmingly that, you know, things are moving positively in terms of the public opinion. Even Republicans and religious groups, they’re moving to being more open.
LGBTQ Nation: In the US, do you see the wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in red states as an anomaly, or is there anything in the data that indicates maybe those right-wing Republicans are on to something?
DL: Some of the US polls have shown that while it is becoming more accepted, it also is starting to polarize the more people are being exposed to it. So they have a lot of opinions on it. You know, you see things like drag queen bans and all those book bans and stuff, so people might form an opinion, whereas before, maybe they didn’t have an opinion. It’s interesting. We’re seeing a lot of progress in the US, but there are definitely some laws that are going backward. Hopefully it doesn’t continue that way.
LGBTQ Nation: The site would be a big undertaking for anyone, let alone somebody who’s just doing it as a passion project. Did you ever think, “I’m way over my head on this?”
DL: Yeah, definitely. Especially with big publications and even some governments and organizations that reference Equaldex. So when I see, like, the UN referencing it in one of their reports, I’m like, God, it’s a lot of pressure. Fortunately, I built Equaldex in a way where I don’t need to change everything myself, with such a big community of users who are contributing.
LGBTQ Nation: Tell us about those volunteers.
DL: When I first started Equaldex, there were a lot of people who were very interested in the project, and I got a handful of people who were just super passionate about it. They were super crucial in the first six months to a year of the site. Like, we had all these countries with no data, and people were just going in, adding all the laws. We’ve added a Discord community, as well, that has been really great at attracting editors and moderators.
LGBTQ Nation: Who pays for all of this?
DL: I pay for it myself. It’s not super expensive to run. And I share the cost with a pretty successful gaming app I run called Dododex, which is a companion app for the game ARK. And that helps to pay for software and Chat GPT to help program and stuff.
LGBTQ Nation: What’s the participation rate in some of those red countries for people who help out with the site?
DL: It’s very low. It’s challenging, especially when there are language barriers, too. But in really red countries, those users probably don’t want to publicly join a service like Equaldex, for reasons you can imagine. Fortunately, there are a lot of international organizations, research organizations who dig into the laws and maybe expose some of the things that are happening there, and we do have a handful of contributors who are from countries more familiar with those places.
LGBTQ Nation: Who are some of your go-to’s for the information you’re putting up?
DL: When we’re sourcing laws we try to get to the actual government site that shows what the law is. Unfortunately, sometimes what the government is saying is different than what they’re actually doing. We reference some big LGBT organizations like ILGA. The UN has some great resources exposing things in these homophobic countries. And of course, you know, reputable sources, the BBC, CNN, sites like yours who are reporting.
In terms of like, public opinion, there are a lot of really great organizations like Gallup that are always our go-to’s in terms of public opinion data.
LGBTQ Nation: What’s new on the site?
DL: I am working on a new feature that will — I hate to call it, like, a Yelp for LGBTQ rights, but it’s kind of that same idea where you’ll be able to share your opinion of the state or the province or the country that you lived in and share how comfortable you were about being open in public. What are politicians like? Are there out celebrities? Things like that. If you’ve lived there you have more experience, and it helps people who are traveling, so they can be like, “Okay, definitely don’t hold hands with my partner in public.” And even like, hotel reservations. In some countries you shouldn’t reserve a single bed with your partner in the same room. Stuff like that is good to know, and you might not think of it.
LGBTQ Nation: What’s been the most satisfying part of Equaldex for you so far?
DL: I think seeing the big publications and organizations use the site. There are a bunch of Ivy League schools that reference Equaldex for their students when they’re traveling. The UN, the UK Government, the US government, they’ve all read it and reference it. It makes me really proud, like, “Wow, this is something that people are very interested in.” So it kind of validates the work I’ve been doing for many years.
At a more personal level, hearing that people use it and it’s super helpful is super validating. When people say, like, “Oh, I always use it. Make sure to check Equaldex before you travel,” it’s really rewarding to hear it’s helpful to people in that way.
Former Utah therapist Scott Owen was arrested Wednesday in connection with accusations that he sexually abused patients during sessions.
Owen, 63, was booked into the Utah County jail on suspicion of six counts of object rape and four counts of forcible sodomy. A Utah County judge has ordered that Owen remain in jail without the opportunity to post bail, finding that he could be a danger to the community and would likely flee if released.
Owen was arrested on allegations connected to two former patients, both who say Owen engaged in sexual contact with them during therapy sessions. That alleged touching included kissing, cuddling and Owen using his hand to touch their anuses. One man also alleges Owen performed oral sex on him.
Owen agreed to meet with Provo and Spanish Fork police at the Spanish Fork Police station, they said, so that he could be transported from there to the Utah County Jail. Owen did not show up at the station, and authorities said they began searching. He was located on Wednesday afternoon in the town of Thistle, which is nearly 24 miles from Provo.
Officer Janna-Lee Holland, with Provo police, said that he was located alone in his car and a standoff with police occurred after he was found. Highway 89 was closed in the area while police worked to get Owen to safely surrender. Holland said tactical units were called in from the Utah County Sheriff’s Office in order to do so.
Once he surrendered, Owen was booked on six counts of object rape and four counts of forcible sodomy, all first-degree felonies. “We are grateful to tactical units of the Utah County Sheriff’s Office whose skillful work resulted in safe apprehension without injury to anyone,” Holland said.
My previous reports on Owen are here and here. And now he makes our running tally of infamy.
The now-older Australian man convicted of the 1987 gay-bashing murder of a man he thought was gay received what amounted to a life sentence in a Sydney courtroom late last month.
NSW Supreme Court Justice Dina Yehia sentenced on October 20, Stanley Bruce Early, 77, to a maximum of 22 years in prison for the murder of Raymond Keam, 43, in a public park in the early morning hours of January 13, 1987. According to the Sydney Morning Herald,the sentence includes a mandatory 15 years and six months behind bars, meaning Early won’t be eligible for parole until the age of 91 in 2037.
Keam, was a martial arts expert but was suffering from an injury the night he was murdered. He identified as straight, was divorced from one woman and in a relationship with another. He had two children.
Keam was attacked just outside a public restroom in Allison Park by “ringleader” Early and a small group of youths looking to assault gay men who cruised the park in search of gay sex. Keam was beaten to the ground and stomped about the head and chest. The medical examiner determined the cause of death to be one or more fatal blows to the head. His lifeless body was discovered the following morning.
Yehia described Early’s actions as “an affront to civilized society” and chastised him during sentencing.
“The offender continues to deny his involvement in the murder,” Yehia noted according to QNews. “He has shown no remorse whatsoever.”
At the time of the murder, Early was known as Stanley “Spider” Sutton and had a hardscrabble upbringing. He reportedly struggled with his sexuality (he now identifies as bisexual). He was also a survivor of sexual assault as a child and after a stint in jail. He was out on bail at the time of the murder after being charged with committing an indecent act against a 12-year-old boy.
Early was arrested at his home in Victoria two months after a $1 million reward was offered for information leading to a conviction in the case. He was subsequently extradited to neighboring New South Wales where he has been held in jail during the trial.
Yehia said she was unable to say with certainty that Early delivered the fatal blow or blows and that she did not believe he warranted a life sentence. However, she did say his actions directly caused Keam’s death and that there was a “real chance” he would die in prison.
Amber Hollibaugh, an activist, organizer, author of “My Dangerous Desires: A Queer Girl Dreaming Her Way Home” and a self-educated leading public intellectual in the LGBTQ, feminist, sexual liberation and economic justice movements, died suddenly of complications of diabetes in her home in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Oct. 20. She was 77.
Hollibaugh is she is survived by her life partner, award-winning novelist Jenifer Levin, and stepsons Mak Levin and Van De Laurier.
Hollibaugh was born in Bakersfield, Calif., on June 20, 1946. She lived in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Mississippi, Chicago and Canada before she moved to New York in 1981.
“Amber loved life with an embodied passion. She brought that passion to seek justice in the world for us in a way that was unwilling to leave any of our complicated selves behind. Amber’s work for lesbians living with HIV, poor and working-class queer folks and older LGBTQ+ members of our community was groundbreaking and sometimes left Amber not appreciated in the very movements that she was trying to move towards more liberation,” said Beth Zemsky, a former co-chair of the National LGBTQ+ Task Force and the former director of the University of Minnesota’s LGBT Programs Office. “Amber was a fierce friend, somebody you could count on to see you fully and show up for you. I’m grateful to have been able to look into her dazzling blue eyes and see the best of who we could be.”
Barbara Satin, a Task Force faith consultant, also mourned Hollibaugh.
“My early activism had focused on trans inclusion plus the affirmation of queer folks within faith settings — then I met Amber who introduced me to the beautiful, old LGBT community — my peer group. These pioneers, on whose shoulders we have built a burgeoning progressive movement, had hopes, expectations, fears and concerns around aging that were seriously overlooked by the broader community,” said Stein. “Through her work on LGBTQ aging at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, including the publication of ‘Outing Age,’ the seminal work on the issue, Amber spotlighted the needs and expectations that our elders had and offered practical and appropriate responses to their difficult situations. Amber added an important element to my activism and the applause I have received over the years for my work on aging are directly connected to her influence on my life. As I approach my 90th birthday, Amber Hollibaugh still is my role model for doing activism with grace and style.
Another remembrance notes Hollibaugh’s legacy “is an integral part of the history of the modern LGBTQ+ and feminist movements.”
“Her contributions were always visionary, as she worked at the intersections of sexual and economic inequality, LGBTQ and women’s health disparities,” it reads. “Her legacy and long-term impact in progressive movements is inestimable, and her loss will be widely and deeply mourned throughout queer communities and beyond.”
The internet remains a place LGBTQ+ youth seek refuge to understand their identity, but research from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation increasingly shows queer kids at risk of vicious cyberbullying.
Researchers found 96 percent of queer youth end up exposed to offensive and hurtful anti-LGBTQ+ content. Nearly half, 49 percent, of trans and non-binary youth experienced cyberbullying attacking them based on their gender identity in the last year.
That’s all according to HRC’s 2023 LGBTQ+ Youth Report. Leaders behind the research say that shows a greater need to keep safe spaces online, and better avenues for victimized individuals to seek help and assistance with bullying online.
“Teachers and educators in schools can really help counter that by making schools safe places for youth to show up authentically and for queer families to show up authentically,” said Charleigh Flohr, HRC’s senior research manager.
The report finds more than 74 percent of LGBTQ+ youth and 77 percent of trans and gender-expansive youth say they don’t feel comfortable reporting cyberbullying or online hate speech to an educator and even more doubt an educator could actually help.
Separate research by HRC found a 406 percent increase in the use of terms like “groomer” and “pedophile” in social media taunts in the months after the Florida “don’t say gay” law was passed and imitated in other states. Flohr said the law effectively criminalizes teachers even acknowledging queer people exist. As that occurs, the HRC report found fewer students seeking support from teachers and administrators.
“And we’re seeing higher levels of cyberbullying on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity because of these laws being passed,” she said, “and the cultural arguments being put forward that really dehumanize people are basically giving a free pass online to bullying.”
At the same time, the research shows the internet remains an important resource for youth.
More than 95 percent of transgender and gender-expansive youth use the internet to better understand queer identities, and more than 83 percent turned online for information about sexual health relevant to their identity. More than 68 percent of LGBTQ+ youth participate in online communities to engage with LGBTQ+ individuals in their age group, a number that spikes above 73 percent when looking only at trans youth and gender minorities.
Some youth don’t feel safe on the internet. More than 15 percent of LGBTQ+ youth and almost 17 percent of trans and non-binary kids say they feel unsafe online. And many don’t see anywhere to turn about it. Some 18 percent of LGBTQ+ kids don’t know how to report cyberbullying and hate speech to social media platforms. Some 66 percent don’t believe the platform would take any action regardless.
There’s some reason for that, as 60 percent of Twitter users reported an increase in abuse and hateful rhetoric on that platform since Elon Musk purchased the platform last year. That’s even as researchers see relatively innocuous content, such as images of two women holding hands, facing online censorship because anti-LGBTQ+ groups deem it offensive.
While more than 93 percent of LGBTQ+ youth say they have received some guidance from adults on dealing with hate and bullying online, Flohr said there’s a lot of room for improvement.
“Social media and tech companies absolutely have a responsibility here,” Flohr said. “These companies have to take responsibility to get this right. And a lot of the arguments that are put forward as to why research should censor virtually anything about LGBTQ people and online content really comes from a place of stigma and hate.”
