Groundbreaking map shows which US states are the least safe for LGBTQ+ people
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In a groundbreaking move, the Movement Advancement Project (MAP), an independent non-profit think tank based in the US, has created an interactive map that highlights which states in the country are safest for LGBTQ+ individuals to live and work – and which are not. By tracking LGBTQ+ laws and policies across various categories, MAP has scored each state to determine the level of protection it offers to LGBTQ+ people.
The map categorizes states into five distinct groups: High, Medium, Fair, Low, and Negative. States that score between 75 to 100% of possible points fall into the High category, indicating that their laws provide significant protection for LGBTQ+ individuals. On the other hand, states with scores ranging from 0 to 24.9% are placed in the Low category, signifying inadequate protection or even active opposition towards LGBTQ+ rights.
Through color-coded markers, the map visually represents each state’s level of LGBTQ+ inclusivity. States highlighted in red indicate places where LGBTQ+ individuals face minimal legal protection or are actively hindered from living freely as their authentic selves. Unfortunately, states such as Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Montana, South Dakota, Missouri, Indiana, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Louisiana fall into this category.
In stark contrast, states that score in the highest category are highlighted in green on the map. These states are considered the safest for LGBTQ+ individuals and offer the most comprehensive legal protections. California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, New York, Vermont, Illinois, Minnesota, Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Maryland, and Washington D.C. are among the states that provide robust support for LGBTQ+ rights.
It is important to note that the map only reflects existing laws and policies and does not consider pending bills or how each state enforces these laws. MAP emphasizes that while their scores provide valuable insight into the current LGBTQ+ policy landscape, they may not reflect the entire political or social climate for LGBTQ+ individuals.
According to MAP’s research, 27% of the overall LGBTQ+ population in the US currently lives in states with low scores, indicating a lack of legal protections. In contrast, 44% of the overall LGBTQ+ population resides in states with high scores, where they enjoy greater legal safeguards and inclusivity.
The Movement Advancement Project was established in 2006 with a mission to create an inclusive and equitable America where all individuals have a fair chance to pursue health, happiness, and success. By tracking and analyzing LGBTQ+ laws and policies, MAP aims to promote positive change and advocate for greater LGBTQ+ rights across the country.
This interactive map serves as a valuable resource for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking information on the legal landscape in each state. It allows them to make informed decisions about where to live, work, and thrive while considering the level of protection and inclusivity offered by different regions. With this groundbreaking initiative, MAP continues to advance its mission of creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
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“LGBTQ+ safety in the US”
