Did you know that ‘nearly 49% of young LGBTQ+ people aged 13 to 17 experience bullying by society?’ Shocking isn’t it? Of course, it is! Their struggles of existence start young but there are places for them where equality is celebrated and not just tolerated. Most liberal cities in the US for LGBTQ+ rights!
These cities in the US are not only safe for people but also support LGBTQ+ rights. From rainbow parades and LGBTQ+ events to welcoming diversity with open arms, these cities have done it all.
These cities show the world that welcoming is a matter of love and acceptance and not just giving them space to exist! So, let’s quickly learn more about this inclusive community and the most liberal cities in the US for their rights.
Let’s Know about LGBTQ+
LGBTQ+ is a community of people across the globe with different sexual interests and various gender identities. LGBTQ+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (Questioning).
Indeed, this community of people has faced lots of discrimination and challenges more than any other group of people in the world. And, they have to fight not only for equal rights and justice in society but also for the acceptance of their very own friends and family.
Undoubtedly, the history of LGBTQ+ is not only a chase for equality but also a story of struggle and strength. From the Stonewall riots, which ignited the ‘Modern Gay Movement’ in 1969 to the legalization of same-sex marriages in many countries today! This community faces it all to make this significant progress.
In today’s times, as society recognizes the rights of LGBTQ+ progressively, the community takes pride in celebrating diversity through events like ‘Pride Month’. Also, interestingly it is estimated that around 8% to 9% of the global population identifies as LGBTQ+.
Challenges Faced by LGBTQ+ People
- Violence: LGBTQ+ people Still face hate crimes and many are not even reported.
- Employment Discrimination: In many parts of the country LGBTQ+ people are still fired based on their gender.
- Parental Rights: Only a few places in the US permit the right of same-sex couples to parent the child together.
- Conversion Therapy: In the majority of states minors undergo a harmful practice called ‘Gay Conversion Therapy’.
- Health and Income Difference: LGBTQ+ people likely get low annual incomes, they also lack money for good food and healthcare. They often face unemployment and suffer from mental health and physical abuse.
- Discrimination: Many LGBTQ+ people till now face discrimination in employment, housing, healthcare, and their personal lives.
Listed Below Are the Most Liberal Cities in the US for LGBTQ+ Rights
- San Francisco, California
- Los Angeles, California
- San Diego, California
- Sacramento, California
- Chicago, Illinois
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- San Jose, California
- Richmond, Virginia
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Baltimore, Maryland
1. San Francisco, California
Indeed, San Francisco is the friendliest city in the United States for LGBTQ+ people. A very high percentage of the LGBTQ+ population is living here. The world recognizes the city for its vibrant acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community! Well, because San Francisco is a very welcoming city, all the people who feel different about their gender will feel safe here. In addition, the city accepts people who love others of the same gender with great respect for their love.
Long ago, San Francisco was a place where people could be themselves without any fear even if they were different. But, over time, LGBTQ+ people started moving in as they knew they could live openly without restrictions. This city has a history of combatting the rights of these people. Therefore, this city is one of the most liberal cities in the US!
2. Los Angeles, California
Apart from being the entertainment capital, Los Angeles is a kind city! Only 15 % of people oppose non-discrimination laws which is a total of 21% less than the national norms. This means it’s a friendly place for people who love someone of the same gender.
Interestingly, back in 1970, this city even had the first LGBTQ+ parade in the world. This city also conducts many events and groups for LGBTQ+ people to feel happy and proud of who they really are. Because Los Angeles has been so accepting and has done so much for LGBTQ+ rights, this city has a very big community of LGBTQ+ people. This makes it one of the most liberal cities in the US!
3. San Diego, California
San Diego, California is an LGBTQ+ community-friendly city. The society accepts people and their differences very well. The city holds a history of being kind to these people. Long ago, during a war many LGBTQ+ people met each other in San Diego and started creating a community.
Also, they had places like bars and restaurants where they could be themselves and meet people like themselves. Over the years, many LGBTQ+ people preferred moving to this city as it was a welcoming place. On this day, San Diego conducts many events and groups that support LGBTQ+ rights making this city one of the most liberal cities in the US.
4. Sacramento, California
Sacramento, California is one of the most liberal cities in the US. Undoubtedly, the city cares about the LGBTQ+ people. This city has special neighborhoods like Lavender Heights! Here, these LGBTQ+ individuals live with their community. Also, Sacramento has places like the ‘Sacramento LGBT Center’, which supports these people to thrive as individuals.
Therefore, Here they get assistance and help for careers, employment, peer support, health, and advocate for equality. This city also works on projects that celebrate the history of LGBTQ+ and remind the world about the importance of their rights. Because of the support these LGBTQ+ people get here, this is one of the most liberal cities in the US for LGBTQ+ rights.
5. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois is very supportive of LGBTQ+ people. This city also has special laws to protect the rights of these people. For instance, the governor signed new laws to ensure the well-being of LGBTQ+ people and to be sure that they are treated equally.
Well, not just this! Additionally, the city always conducts big events like the ‘Pride Parade’ to celebrate diversity and the people for who they are. All these things make Chicago one of the most liberal cities in the US for LGBTQ+ rights.
6. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana is a very accepting city for it has always welcomed LGBTQ+ people with broad smiles and open hearts. It also has a good population of LGBTQ+ as it has a history of supporting this community. Interestingly, they have many events and groups to celebrate the life of the LGBTQ+ community. One such is the ‘Southern Decadence’ festival! New Orleans is always considered a very friendly city for travelers belonging to the LGBTQ+ community.
Even though some laws in Louisiana are not LGBTQ+ friendly, cities like New Orleans are working passionately towards making the city a safe place for everyone. Indeed making all the people feel loved, respected, and included. Well, this makes New Orleans one of the most liberal cities in the US for LGBTQ+ rights.
7. Richmond, Virginia
According to a study, Richmond, Virginia shows a 100% municipal equality rate. Clearly, this city is one of the kindest to LGBTQ+ people. Therefore, this city is considered one of the best and the most liberal cities in the US for LGBTQ+ rights. Thus, Richmond works hard to ensure the equality of all beings, especially LGBTQ+ people!
The city also makes sure everybody has the same rights and opportunities as others. They have laws to help stop all the ill-treatment of LGBTQ+ people and support them in aspects like health care. Well, this helps them cherish who they are as human beings. Because Richmond does so much for its LGBTQ+ population, it is listed as one of the most liberal cities in the US for LGBTQ+ rights.
8. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is an LGBTQ+ people-friendly city that offers 94 percent higher healthcare providers than any average metro there. Therefore, it is a safe and happy place for these people who love without boundaries of gender. So, to ensure fair treatment and equality, this city has laws. To celebrate people for who they truly are, this city has a big community of LGBTQ+ people!
Additionally, the city also hosts ‘Pride Parades’ to show love and pride in people. Pittsburgh has a very welcoming culture and does a lot to support the rights of LGBTQ+ people. This makes Pittsburgh one of the most liberal cities in the US for LGBTQ+ rights.
9. Baltimore, Maryland
A study shows that the state equality score of Maryland is 89% higher than others! Well, Baltimore, Maryland is a very kind city to LGBTQ+ people. It is considered a very safe place for these people to stay without hesitation of being different. Maryland has many laws to protect the rights of this community. And, also it ensures they are all treated fairly everywhere while nobody makes them feel inferior for their gender.
This city encourages groups like ‘The ACLU of Maryland’ that work hard to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ people. Due to all the things that the state of Maryland and Baltimore do for the welfare of this special community, it is considered one of the most liberal cities in the US for LGBTQ+ rights.
10. San Jose, California
San Josh, California is one of the most liberal cities in the US for LGBTQ+ rights. Without a doubt, it is a very welcoming city for LGBTQ+ people. They can live here freely without the fear of any harm to them. As a result, they know they are safe here! San Josh has a backstory of supporting LGBTQ+ people and their precious rights.
The city also conducts big events like the ‘LGBTQ+ Parade!’ So, people here enjoy a big celebration to show their pride and joy in who they truly are. Indeed, the city has many groups that are working towards the rights of these people and ensuring that even they get the same opportunities as everyone else in the city. Moreover, this city not only takes charge of these people but has a big community that takes special care of their needs protecting their rights.
End Note
As we conclude our blog, we realize the importance of celebrating differences and not just tolerating them! But these 10 most liberal cities in the US for LGBTQ+ rights are worth appreciating.
These cities act as a spark of hope and a path of progress for the LGBTQ+ community in the US. Whether you belong to this community or not, encouraging equality and spreading love is a core sense of humanity.
So, today allow yourself to take the tiny welcoming steps by accepting people for who they are! And let’s know these inclusive communities and shape our world for a better tomorrow filled with love!
