LGBTQ+ Friendly States

A lot goes into finding and securing your dream home. In addition to buying a home that fits your and your family’s needs, you also want a state that offers you the protections and equality that you deserve.

Where you call home can affect your personal life as a family member and parent and your professional life as a business owner, as some U.S. states have more LGBT-friendly laws and protections in place.

Use this guide to learn about the top LGBT-friendly states in the United States as you choose where you’ll call home.

Top LGBT-Friendly States in the U.S.

With a lack of federal equality protections, LGBTQ+ people may find significantly different living situations from state to state. Individually, states are moving at their own pace toward equal rights for everyone. 

For example, Florida has been in the news for a spate of bills that seek to restrict LGBTQ+ rights, particularly for transgender people. A recent federal court ruling overturned a law that would restrict trans youth’s right to pursue health care affirming their identity, but lawmakers are still attempting to push discriminatory laws that hurt LGBTQ+ people. 

North Dakota has pushed over ten bills to harm LGBTQ+ individuals, and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has been at the forefront of anti-trans legislation. In Alabama, legislatures are attempting to prevent schools from teaching about LGBTQ+ identities, which will have long-standing repercussions for everyone. 

These discriminatory policies can make it difficult for those looking to relocate or secure their dream homes to know what to expect. Safety must be taken into consideration when choosing a new home, such as negative laws that can prevent you from living your life in freedom.

That’s why we have created a list of the top LGBT-friendly states in the U.S. This list is based on crucial factors, like existing non-discrimination laws, equal access to medical care, criminal justice for hate crimes, and overall legislation relating to equality for everyone—regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

This guide also outlines some of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities within the top-listed states.

Colorado

Colorado is one of the most LGBT-friendly states in the U.S., with a high policy tally score according to the Movement Advancement Project (MAP.) Only 15 states plus Washington D.C. scored a high overall tally rating. 

Colorado also checks all the required boxes for the Human Rights Campaign SEI report, which considers factors like anti-discrimination, employment and housing laws, anti-bullying programs, transgender health care, and hate crime prevention.

Safe Home also grades states based on safety rankings according to state laws, which is an excellent measure to consider when seeking a new place to call home. Colorado received a B- safety grade, ranking number 19 in the U.S.

Colorado is home to several prominent social LGBTQ+ scenes, with Denver being one of the most inclusive in the state. Denver is the central hub of the LGBTQ+ community, where many people often come together to promote awareness, educate the public, and form lasting alliances and friendships. Cherry Creek, Capitol Hill, and RiNo are some of the top emerging LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhoods.

While the Mile High State has been known as being majority white, this has changed significantly in recent years. One of its most significant pushes is creating a mentorship program for Black men seeking to become teachers, which can ensure all children get to enjoy differing perspectives during their formative years. 

Overall tally score: 43/44.5

California

As one of the first states to elect an openly gay public official and enact LGBTQ-supporting laws, California is consistently ranked as one of the top LGBT-friendly states in the U.S. MAP gives California a high overall policy tally due to LGBTQ family recognition laws, state nondiscrimination laws, and youth policies. 

California also boasts various healthcare access and policies that offer equal access to healthcare resources, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. California checks all the required boxes for the Human Rights Campaign, indicating queer-friendly laws and policies. On the LGBTQ+ safety rating, California earns a B and ranks number 14 in 2024.

Much of California’s high ratings come from a few key LGBTQ+ communities in the state, like San Francisco and Los Angeles. California is a popular destination for LGBTQ+ and transgender individuals, thanks to its inclusive bars, clubs, and avenues. The Castro District, spanning 49 square miles, provides LGBTQ+ members and advocates with access to safe amenities and a supportive community.

The Golden State is a true melting pot; there is no one majority race, with a significant population of Hispanic and Asian people. San Francisco especially has a huge AAPI population; in fact, one-third of San Franciscans identify as Asian. This long and proud heritage spans back to even before California became a state and is reflected in its bustling Chinatown. 

Overall tally score: 42.5/44.5

Maine

Maine received a high overall tally score based on both sexual orientation and gender identity. The current LGBTQ policy landscape includes equal access to public accommodations, LGBTQ-friendly laws and policies, and access to transgender healthcare. 

Its anti-discrimination laws cover employment, housing, education, adoption, and more. Marriage equality and same-sex protections make Maine a popular choice for LGBTQ people. Maine ranked sixth on the Safe Home Safety Ranking with an A-.

Some of the top LGBTQ-friendly communities in Maine are in Augusta and Rockland. Ogunquit is a popular coastal village with a friendly vibe. Brunswick, a popular college town, earns high scores among LGBTQ people because of its abundance of top-rated restaurants and unlimited entertainment. Portland is home to the state’s pride festival, an annual event that promotes equality for everyone.

LGBTQ+ individuals of color may face challenges here, however. Maine is over 92% white, with only a very small Black population. The government is working to recruit diverse talent from around the world and create a more equitable Pine Tree State for everyone, which may provide greater opportunities for BIPOC individuals.  

Overall tally score: 41.5/45

Nevada

Nevada has various laws and policies in place to promote LGBTQ equality, including parenting, hate crime justice, non-discrimination, and youth laws. In fact, the Human Rights Campaign recently gave credit to Nevada lawmakers for enacting many laws benefiting LGBTQ people.

Nevada ranks number nine on the LGBTQ+ Safety Ranking with a B. LGBTQ people in Nevada will find equality and protection in many cities, with some of the best being Las Vegas, Reno, and Stateline.

Visit the Fruit Loop on Paradise Road in Las Vegas, a block of restaurants, shops, and clubs offering LGBTQ protections and alliances. In Reno, LGBTQ people can enjoy equality with a community that celebrates pride together.

Though Nevada is predominantly white, it has twice as many multiracial individuals as the US average, which can be reassuring to LGBTQ+ individuals of color. Universities are also pushing to better represent the voices of Asian-American individuals, encouraging their representation in public life. 

Overall tally score: 41.5/44.5

New York

New York State has laws and policies that protect LGBTQ equality, making the Empire State a great choice. State laws prevent discrimination in employment, housing, and religious exemptions. 

New York also has healthcare laws and policies to ensure anti-discrimination and easy access to healthcare for everyone. It has a B safety score and is ranked #11 in the United States.

The social landscape in New York is protective and inclusive of LGBTQ people, including New York City and Woodbury. The city itself is renowned for having a very multicultural flair; 800 different languages are spoken in the city, more than anywhere else in the world! It’s one of the few places in the US where four different races make up at least 10% of the population, and it is especially known for its large Jewish community. 

Buffalo and the Niagara Falls communities also have a large LGBTQ population. Greenwich Village in Manhattan has excellent scores and welcomes the gay community with ample resources and amenities. 

Manhattan has also long been credited with being the center of the state's equality movement and is home to many resources, community centers, and gay alliances. New York is also an excellent option for LGBTQ people and their families. Equality extends to business ownership, political positions, and schools, offering plenty of opportunities.

Overall tally score: 40.5/44.5

Washington

Washington State has many non-discrimination laws to protect transgender people, including equal access to public accommodations and healthcare, criminal justice laws that cover the LGBTQ population, and transgender protections. Washington received a C safety score and is ranked #30 in the United States.

Washington’s variability in scores is due to some portions of the state offering better LGBTQ equality than others. Seattle and Portland are some of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in Washington. Racial diversity is also important here: the state is one of the top five areas for Asian-Americans, and it also has a significant Hispanic and multiracial population. 

In Washington, LGBTQ members and advocates will find a welcoming community with a relaxed vibe. Meanwhile, Portland offers more nightlife and festival entertainment.

Overall tally score: 40.25/44.5

Maryland

Maryland has several important laws that promote LGBTQ+ equality, including statewide non-discrimination laws and provisions for relationship and parental recognition, which protect family rights for LGBT and transgender people. Additionally, while the state does have laws against hate offenses, there are some exclusions that other, more LGBT-friendly states don’t have. 

Some areas of improvement in Maryland include overcoming religious exemption laws and promoting more transgender rights. The state also has low scores for youth-related LGBTQ laws and policies, many of which also relate to transgender rights. However, when compared to other states not currently on this list, Maryland offers more access to equal rights.

Ellicott City and Baltimore are popular among the LGBTQ population. LGBTQ members enjoy equality with inclusive restaurants, clubs, bars, and shopping centers. Arlington has also become a top choice for LGBTQ people. Maryland scored B and is ranked #12 on the safety list.

Maryland is predominantly white, but it does have a large Black and African American population, especially in Baltimore, where over 61% of the population identifies as Black. Maryland also has one of the most diverse state legislatures in America, with a large representation of Black lawmakers. This helps ensure that people of all backgrounds are heard and respected in policy, making significant improvements in their lives. 

Overall tally score: 39.75/44.5

New Jersey

New Jersey has many laws that encourage LGBTQ equality, including anti-bullying laws and LGBTQ-inclusive educational programs. The state received lower scores on religious exemptions and youth-related LGBTQ+ laws and policies. 

New Jersey has some room for improvement with anti-equality laws, some of which affect the LGBTQ youth. However, the state does allow for corrective identity documents, making it more accommodating than many states. New Jersey receives a safety score of a C and is ranked #29.

Gay, lesbian, and transgender people will find LGBTQ-friendly restaurants and venues throughout New Jersey, especially in Asbury Park and Hoboken. Jersey City offers an edgy vibe with riverfront views and is close to New York City.

Though New Jersey is historically known as being mostly white, it does have a very large Latino population, who are represented throughout public life. One major celebration for New Jersey’s Latina individuals was the recent push to restore funding to Hispanic Women’s Resource Centers, which help provide essential services like mental health resources and language services. 

Overall tally score: 39.25/44.5

Vermont

Vermont promotes many anti-discrimination laws and protections for LGBTQ people. In fact, Vermont was one of the first states to offer protections to LGBTQ people and can be credited with being the first to legalize same-sex marriage. With annual pride festivals and a generally accepting vibe, Vermont is a great place for LGBTQ families to call home.

Some areas of improvement for the state include LGBTQ youth laws, policies and transgender rights. Vermont received a B safety score and ranked #13.

Vermont may be small, but there are many LGBTQ-friendly cities to consider in the state, including Winooski and Burlington. Gay bars, clubs, and family-friendly LGBTQ restaurants make the state a great option.

One negative point for Vermont is that it is not very racially diverse. 91.4% of the population is white, and only 5% of Vermonters speak a language other than English as their primary language. However, this does not necessarily reflect how many people are bilingual, and the demographics are slowly shifting to better represent the nation’s multicultural roots. 

Overall tally score: 38.5/44.5

Connecticut

Connecticut encourages LGBTQ equality through comprehensive pro-equal rights and non-discrimination laws. The state is also accepting of alternative lifestyles, with equality protections in place. In fact, Connecticut was the second state (after Massachusetts) to legalize same-sex marriage, long before the Supreme Court decision in 2015 that made marriage equality legal nationwide. Those in the LGBTQ community can find safe housing and employment in both city and rural environments.

The state still needs to improve its efforts to ensure inclusion and equality for LGBTQ and trans youth, but it is continually working toward greater equality for everyone. Connecticut earned a B safety score, ranking #10 in the U.S.

Connecticut has excellent LGBTQ social scenes, including West Hartford, New Haven, South Norwalk, and Westport. Hartford and Stamford have often been coined the most exciting LGBTQ-friendly cities in the world. Connecticut is full of history and entertainment, making it a safe, opportunity-filled place to call home.

As a negative point, data shows that Connecticut, like much of the Atlantic, is predominantly white. However, civic life shows that the state is working to fight racism, particularly in university admissions. A recent bill seeks to ban legacy admissions that push down how many BIPOC individuals are admitted to its elite schools. 

Overall tally score: 38/44.5

Factors That Make a State LGBTQ+ Friendly

A top-rated LGBTQ-friendly state has a broad implementation of state laws and protections for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Several states on our list have routinely worked toward overcoming bullying and discrimination in the LGBTQ community. 

They have laws prioritizing criminal justice rights, employment opportunities, and equal access to healthcare. They also have awareness campaigns set up to promote a safer, more equal way of life for everyone.

Here are some of the most important factors that go into these rankings.

Legal Protections

Legal protections are an important factor when ranking the most queer-friendly states in the country. Non-discrimination laws covering housing, employment, and public accommodations are necessary. 

Adoption rights and marriage equality for same-sex couples are also important considerations for LGBTQ couples planning to start a family in their new homes. States with existing laws against discriminatory crimes and banning conversion therapy are also a factor in these rankings.

Healthcare Access

Non-discriminatory healthcare access is also a factor in the most LGBT-friendly states. Pursuing health care regardless of gender identity isn’t possible in all states. We also factored in legislation and laws, including the availability of gender-affirming care related to healthcare access for transgender people. 

State laws, like private health insurance, nondiscrimination laws, and Medicaid policies for transgender populations, also factor into these rankings.

Community and Social Support

A fair chance at equality is fundamental to a state’s LGBTQ-friendliness rating. Social and community support, including LGBTQ+ centers, advocacy organizations, support groups, and welcoming, inclusive cities, is important in ranking LGBTQ states.

Many of these queer-friendly states are founded on lawmakers who advocate for the broad implementation of non-discrimination protections and work toward better equality.

Cultural Acceptance and Visibility

The presence of LGBTQ+ events, festivals, and media representation helps shift the entire political reputation toward more equal access to human rights. Many of the top states make it a priority to schedule pride festivals, LGBTQ awareness campaigns, and educational events, all in an attempt to better represent the community in all walks of life.

Cultural acceptance and visibility go beyond special events, too. The ability to adjust gender identity documents, apply for adoption in same-gender marriages, and promote positive change through the legal system comes from increased acceptance and visibility. In return, these events and LGBTQ representation help create more welcoming and inclusive attitudes in local schools and workplaces.

Safety and Security

Safety and security are of the utmost priority when choosing a new place to call home. Some of the worst states for LGBTQ people are ones with low safety scores or laws that don’t protect or serve criminal justice.

A welcoming and supportive law enforcement is crucial for everyone to feel safe at home, regardless of sexual orientation. States with high rates of LGBTQ+ members or advocates tend to create a safer home for everyone, including BIPOC and disabled individuals. 

Explore LGBTQ+-Friendly States: Empower Your Home-Buying Journey

The most LGBTQ+-friendly states go beyond these basic rights and promote a landscape that prioritizes equality and implements systems and anti-bullying laws to protect people of all lifestyles. Welcoming states and districts that support the LGBTQ+ movement, as well as offering advocacy and opportunity, are important stepping stones.

Pride Lending understands the unique challenges the LGBTQ+ community deals with not only when seeking financing for a new home but also when choosing the right state and city. That’s why we have created resources to help LGBTQ+ members overcome these difficulties and secure a home where they feel welcomed, comfortable, safe, and at home. Our team is made up of allies and members of marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals. 

Our goal is to help everyone, no matter their identity, find the mortgage products that meet their needs. For example, we will help you find local, state, and national down payment assistance products so that you can put more money down and potentially avoid private mortgage insurance. If that’s not feasible, we can assist you in finding mortgage products that only require 3% to 5% down, depending on if you are a first-time homebuyer. 

Contact Pride Lending today at 725-231-0192 to discuss your leading options. You can also get qualified today by filling out our online form.