As the LGBTQ+ community celebrates Pride month this June, they also reflect on a year filled with legal battles and growing restrictions on their rights, particularly those of transgender youth. The 2024 Equality Report by Out Leadership paints a vivid picture of the state-by-state progress and regression in LGBTQ+ rights, revealing a mixed bag of triumphs and challenges.
For the second consecutive year, LGBTQ+ equality is on a downward trend across the United States. The average score of all 50 states dropped from 63.48 in 2023 to 62.77 in 2024 – a 1.12% decrease. This decline underscores the deepening polarization in the country, where states with strong LGBTQ+ protections continue to improve, while those hostile to LGBTQ+ rights further jeopardize the community’s ability to live and work freely.
The Highs and Lows of Equality Scores
Out Leadership’s 2024 Equality Report ranks New York as the highest state in LGBTQ+ equality for the third year in a row, with a score of 93.67 out of 100. This high score reflects New York’s comprehensive legal protections, progressive political climate, and strong support for LGBTQ+ youth and families. New York excels in areas such as nondiscrimination laws, hate crime protections, and health care access for LGBTQ+ individuals. The state’s proactive approach in fostering an inclusive environment has set a benchmark for other states to follow.
On the other end of the spectrum, Arkansas holds the lowest ranking, scoring 27.00, the lowest score in the Index’s six-year history. Arkansas has significant gaps in legal protections and nondiscrimination laws. The state lacks comprehensive policies to protect LGBTQ+ individuals in housing, employment, and public accommodations. Additionally, Arkansas has seen an increase in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, including laws restricting transgender youth’s access to healthcare and participation in sports, contributing to its low score.
Top Performing States
New York: With a score of 93.67, New York remains a leader in LGBTQ+ rights. The state has robust legal protections, including easy processes for changing gender markers on identification documents and strong nondiscrimination laws covering employment, housing, and public accommodations. Additionally, New York’s political leaders consistently support LGBTQ+ rights, and the state offers comprehensive health care coverage for transgender individuals, including Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming surgeries and treatments.
Connecticut: Scoring 93.27, Connecticut ranks just behind New York. The state boasts comprehensive nondiscrimination laws, strong political support, and inclusive health care policies. Connecticut’s laws protect LGBTQ+ individuals in various aspects of life, including employment, housing, and public services. The state also supports LGBTQ+ youth through anti-bullying laws and inclusive education policies.
Massachusetts: With a score of 92.00, Massachusetts remains a top state for LGBTQ+ equality. The state’s strong legal protections, including nondiscrimination laws and hate crime statutes, contribute to its high ranking. Massachusetts also provides extensive support for LGBTQ+ youth and families, including protections for LGBTQ+ students in schools and policies that facilitate adoption and foster care for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Worst Performing States
Arkansas: Scoring 27.00, Arkansas is at the bottom of the equality index. The state lacks comprehensive legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals and has enacted several discriminatory laws. These include restrictions on gender-affirming care for transgender youth and bans on transgender athletes participating in sports. Additionally, Arkansas has weak nondiscrimination protections and limited support for LGBTQ+ youth and families.
Mississippi: With a score of 35.27, Mississippi ranks among the lowest states for LGBTQ+ equality. The state has minimal legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals and has passed laws that allow discrimination based on religious beliefs. Mississippi also lacks protections for LGBTQ+ students and does not provide comprehensive health care coverage for transgender individuals.
South Dakota: Scoring 34.80, South Dakota faces significant challenges in protecting LGBTQ+ rights. The state has weak nondiscrimination laws and has enacted policies that restrict the rights of transgender individuals, particularly in areas like healthcare and sports participation. South Dakota’s political climate is also less supportive of LGBTQ+ rights, contributing to its low score.
Significant Movers
Michigan: Michigan saw one of the largest increases in its score, rising to 78.07. The state’s progress is attributed to recent legislative changes that enhanced legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals and strong political support from elected officials. Michigan’s new laws include comprehensive nondiscrimination protections and improved access to healthcare for transgender individuals.
Georgia: Georgia’s score increased to 52.40, reflecting significant legislative progress. The state has adopted new laws that protect LGBTQ+ individuals in employment and public accommodations. Additionally, Georgia’s political leaders have shown increased support for LGBTQ+ rights, contributing to the state’s improved ranking.
Oregon: Oregon’s score rose to 87.00, highlighting the state’s continued commitment to LGBTQ+ equality. Oregon has strong nondiscrimination laws, inclusive health care policies, and robust support for LGBTQ+ youth and families. The state’s political and religious attitudes are also highly supportive of LGBTQ+ rights, contributing to its high ranking.
Florida: Florida experienced a decline in its score, dropping to 45.20. The state’s decrease is due to the passage of several anti-LGBTQ+ laws, including restrictions on discussing LGBTQ+ topics in schools and bans on transgender youth participating in sports. Florida’s political climate has become increasingly hostile to LGBTQ+ rights, contributing to the state’s lower ranking.
Indiana: Indiana’s score fell to 42.67, reflecting ongoing challenges in protecting LGBTQ+ rights. The state has enacted laws that allow discrimination based on religious beliefs and has limited protections for transgender individuals. Indiana’s political leaders have not been supportive of LGBTQ+ rights, contributing to the state’s decline in the equality index.
Kansas: Kansas saw its score decrease to 52.30 due to the passage of several discriminatory laws and a lack of comprehensive legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. The state’s political climate has become less supportive of LGBTQ+ rights, resulting in a lower ranking in the equality index.
While some states have made significant progress in advancing equality, others have regressed, enacting laws that harm LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender youth.
Legal and Nondiscrimination Protections
This section evaluates how state laws impact LGBTQ+ individuals directly. It looks at the ease of changing gender markers on identification documents as well as protections in housing, workplaces, and public spaces. States with comprehensive protections scored higher, while those with restrictive or discriminatory laws scored lower.
Best States for Legal and Nondiscrimination Protections
New York: Scoring 93.67, New York continues to lead with its robust legal and nondiscrimination protections. The state offers an accessible process for changing gender markers on birth certificates and driver’s licenses without requiring surgery, ensuring that transgender individuals can align their identification documents with their gender identity. Furthermore, New York has strong legal frameworks protecting LGBTQ+ individuals in housing, employment, and public accommodations. Anti-discrimination laws are enforced rigorously, and the state has comprehensive hate crime protections inclusive of gender identity and sexual orientation.
Massachusetts: Scoring 92.00, Massachusetts offers extensive legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. The state has a streamlined process for changing gender markers on documents and enforces strict anti-discrimination laws across various sectors, including housing, employment, and public services. Massachusetts also provides strong protections against hate crimes and supports LGBTQ+ youth through anti-bullying policies and inclusive educational practices.
Illinois: Scoring 88.47, Illinois is noted for its strong protections for transgender individuals. The state has simplified the process for changing gender markers on identification documents, requiring only a declaration from the individual. Illinois also has comprehensive nondiscrimination laws that cover housing, employment, and public accommodations, providing robust protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. The state’s legal environment supports the rights of LGBTQ+ families and ensures that same-gender couples have equal access to adoption and family leave benefits.
Health Access and Safety
Access to healthcare is vital for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly for transgender individuals. This section evaluates whether state laws protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination in healthcare, cover transgender-specific care under Medicaid, and include transgender-inclusive health benefits for state employees. States like Washington and Minnesota, which provide extensive health access and safety measures, scored high, while states like Alabama and Mississippi, which lack such protections, scored low.
Leading States: Washington and Minnesota
Washington: Washington stands out for its comprehensive healthcare policies that cater to the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender people. The state has robust nondiscrimination laws that prevent healthcare providers from denying services based on gender identity or sexual orientation. Additionally, Washington’s Medicaid program includes coverage for transgender-specific healthcare needs, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and gender-affirming surgeries. State employees benefit from inclusive health plans that cover these necessary treatments without additional barriers.
Minnesota: Similarly, Minnesota ranks high due to its inclusive healthcare policies. The state ensures that transgender individuals have access to necessary medical treatments through its Medicaid program. Minnesota’s laws also protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination in healthcare settings, providing a safer environment for seeking medical care. State employees in Minnesota receive health benefits that include coverage for transgender-specific treatments, ensuring comprehensive support for their healthcare needs.
Struggling States: Alabama and Mississippi
Alabama: Alabama represents a stark contrast with its lack of protective measures for the LGBTQ+ community in healthcare. The state has no specific laws prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation in healthcare settings, leaving LGBTQ+ individuals vulnerable to biased treatment and refusal of services. Additionally, Alabama’s Medicaid program does not cover transgender-specific care, such as HRT or gender-affirming surgeries. State employees also do not receive inclusive health benefits, which exacerbates the challenges faced by transgender individuals in accessing necessary medical care.
Mississippi: Mississippi mirrors Alabama’s deficiencies in healthcare protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. The state lacks nondiscrimination laws that safeguard against bias in medical settings, and its Medicaid program does not cover transgender-specific healthcare needs. Transgender individuals in Mississippi often face significant barriers when seeking medical care, including outright denial of services. State employees do not benefit from health plans that cover transgender-specific treatments, leaving them without critical healthcare support.
States like Washington and Minnesota illustrate how inclusive healthcare policies can profoundly impact the well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals. These states recognize the unique healthcare needs of the transgender community and provide comprehensive coverage that supports both physical and mental health. By ensuring access to necessary medical treatments and protecting against discrimination, these states foster an environment where LGBTQ+ individuals can thrive.
Conversely, states like Alabama and Mississippi highlight the detrimental effects of lacking such protections. Without specific nondiscrimination laws and comprehensive healthcare coverage, transgender individuals face significant obstacles in accessing the care they need. This not only harms their health but also contributes to broader economic and social disparities.
Worst States for Legal and Nondiscrimination Protections
Arkansas: Scoring 27.00, Arkansas remains the lowest-ranking state due to its significant legal obstacles for transgender individuals. The state requires proof of surgery for changing gender markers on identification documents, making it difficult for many transgender people to update their IDs. Additionally, Arkansas has minimal legal protections against discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation. This lack of protections extends to housing, employment, and public accommodations, leaving LGBTQ+ individuals vulnerable to discrimination and harassment.
Tennessee: Scoring 34.00, Tennessee scores low due to restrictive laws and a lack of comprehensive protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. The state has no streamlined process for changing gender markers on identification documents, often requiring extensive legal procedures. Tennessee also lacks statewide nondiscrimination protections, meaning that LGBTQ+ individuals can be legally discriminated against in housing, employment, and public services
Mississippi: Scoring 35.27, Mississippi’s low score reflects its lack of supportive legislation for LGBTQ+ individuals. The state has stringent requirements for changing gender markers on identification documents, often involving court orders and proof of surgery. Mississippi does not have comprehensive nondiscrimination laws, resulting in significant legal and social hurdles for LGBTQ+ individuals in accessing equal treatment in housing, employment, and public accommodations. The state also has minimal protections against hate crimes targeting the LGBTQ+ community.
Additional Areas Covered by Report
Youth and Family Support
According to the report, youth and family support are crucial areas. This includes laws that protect LGBTQ+ students from discrimination and bullying, as well as laws that allow LGBTQ+ individuals to adopt and foster children without facing discrimination. States with bans on healthcare for trans youth and restrictions on trans athletes participating in sports scored particularly low in this category. For instance, states like Oregon and Illinois, which provide robust protections and support for LGBTQ+ youth and families, scored high, whereas states like Texas and Florida, which have enacted bans on healthcare for trans youth, saw significant declines in their scores.
Political and Religious Attitudes
The tone that state leaders set and the existence of laws exempting particular religions have a significant impact on LGBTQ+ rights. States where senior elected officials vocally support LGBTQ+ rights and where religious exemptions are limited tend to score higher. The report highlights that states such as California and New York benefit from strong political support and limited religious exemptions, contributing to their high scores. Conversely, states like Indiana and Kansas, where political and religious attitudes are less supportive, saw their scores drop.
Work Environment and Employment
Workplace experiences for LGBTQ+ individuals are critical for their economic stability and mental health. This section assesses incidences of workplace harassment, the legal protections available, and economic disparities between LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ individuals. States that enforce strict nondiscrimination laws and foster inclusive work environments, like Connecticut and Massachusetts, scored highly. On the other hand, states like South Carolina and Arkansas, where workplace protections are weak or nonexistent, scored poorly.
The Economic Cost of Discrimination
Discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals has tangible economic costs. States that extend legal discrimination, such as through the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) or “Bathroom Bills,” harm their reputations and face economic losses, particularly in tourism. The current wave of anti-trans legislation, including over 100 proposed bills across 35 states, continues to create economic hardships for LGBTQ+ individuals and the states they reside in. The report cites significant economic losses in states like Indiana and North Carolina following the passage of discriminatory laws.
A Call to Business Leaders and Policymakers
Out Leadership’s report urges businesses to take proactive steps to ensure the safety and inclusion of LGBTQ+ employees, particularly in states with hostile environments. They recommend implementing internal policies that protect LGBTQ+ workers, utilizing the State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index to make informed business decisions, and advocating for LGBTQ+ equality in conversations with staff, government leaders, and business partners.
Research shows that companies supporting LGBTQ+ individuals see increased profitability, stock prices, and employee productivity. The Out Leadership State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index suggests that a similar relationship exists at the state policy level. States that are welcoming to LGBTQ+ people experience significant economic rewards, reflected in the well-being and productivity of their residents.
As we celebrate Pride month, it is crucial to acknowledge both the progress made and the challenges that lie ahead. The Out Leadership 2024 Equality Report serves as a call to action for business leaders and policymakers to champion LGBTQ+ rights. By fostering an inclusive environment, they not only support the LGBTQ+ community but also drive economic growth and innovation.
For the transgender community, the fight for equality is deeply personal. As a transgender woman living in Illinois, a state that ranks among the top for LGBTQ+ equality, I am both proud and concerned. Proud of the progress made but deeply concerned about the setbacks faced by our community in other parts of the country. We must continue to advocate for change, support each other, and hold those in power accountable for creating a just and inclusive society for all.
