2025 LGBTQ+ State Safety Report Cards

LGBTQ+ Safety Grades by State

SafeHome.org’s state ranking is unique from others. We based our grading system on the opinions of 1,000 American LGBTQ+ individuals. Based on their insights, we calculated how heavily different laws would weigh upon each state’s safety score: parenting freedoms, criminal justice rights, non-discrimination rights, youth protections, and health laws. Then, using comprehensive information from the Human Rights Campaign, we tallied how many laws each state had in the above categories and weighted them based on their perceived impact on LGBTQ+ Americans.

Since 2024, our report card also incorporates the frequency of hate crimes committed against LGBTQ people in each state and the percentage of law enforcement agencies in each state reporting hate crime data to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). You can read our full methodology at the end of the article.

The resulting analysis generated a quantifiable “safety score” for each state, which ranged from a low of 35.7 to a high of 97.5 this year. We also translated those results to letter grades, as represented on the map below.

As a constitutional republic granting broad authority to the states, America’s legislative climate often reflects regional attitudes. Federal laws protect the right to same-sex marriage and forbid employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. Still, other LGBTQ+ safeguards rely on state and local laws.

The level of LGBTQ+ acceptance and assimilation ranges widely across America. The map and table above show the diverse safety scores the 50 states and the District of Columbia earned. In some places, the gay and trans communities enjoy inclusion and celebration, while in others, they face exclusion and persecution.

The perceived safety of one’s environment can significantly impact mental health, quality of life, and decisions on where to live. Though a majority of LGBTQ+ Americans (54 percent) believe their state’s safety record exceeds most others, 38 percent have considered the costly decision of moving across state lines in search of better protections. Now, let’s explore the leading states.

The Safest States for LGBTQ+ Americans

LGBTQ+ individuals seeking security shouldn't count on elbow room or geographical diversity. The nation's three smallest states (Rhode Island, Delaware, and Connecticut – all in the Northeast) dominated the top of our rankings. The larger western states of California and Nevada rounded out the top five.

1. Rhode Island – Safety Grade: A+ (97.5)

Rhode Island may be America’s tiniest state, but it is a titan for LGBTQ+ rights, landing our only A+ grade and retaining the top spot in our national safety rankings. The Ocean State has the nation's most straightforward motto: “Hope”, and supplies that to its LGBTQ+ citizens via various legal protections, progressive healthcare, and vibrant community support. Rhode Island’s score was also boosted by its stellar hate crime reporting participation rate. Ninety-eight percent of law enforcement agencies in the state reported hate crimes to the FBI, more than any other state.

Historically, the state set trends by providing benefits to same-sex partners in 2001, recognizing same-sex civil unions in 2011, and marriages in 2013, two years before the Supreme Court’s Obergefell decision. Ongoing legislative support is evidenced by three new LGBTQ+ positive laws enacted in Rhode Island over the past year. One shields healthcare professionals who provide gender affirming care, another expands access to preventative HIV medication, and the third streamlines and safeguards the process for changing names and gender status.

The state capital of Providence is particularly LGBTQ+ friendly, hosting New England’s largest PrideFest and earning a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index. Governor Dan McKee recently reaffirmed his state’s commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community: “Rhode Island should be seen as a safe place where you can freely be who you are.”

2. California – Safety Grade: A (95.6)

Often celebrated (and sometimes derided) as a bastion of progressive values, California has long led the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Its pioneering protections date back to the 1970s and the era of iconic champion Harvey Milk. Under our revised criteria, the Golden State notched a perfect score of 100 in fighting discrimination, helping the state secure an “A” grade and vault from the #12 position to #2 in this year’s safety rankings. According to the HRC, California had more pro-equality laws on its books in 2024 than any other state (57), which boosted its scores. As a large and populous state, California had more reported hate crimes than smaller states, but had a high reporting rate among its law enforcement agencies.

Governor Newsom recently received blowback from LGBTQ+ activists after abandoning a permissive position on transgender athletes, but has largely been supportive of the community, particularly LGBTQ+ youth. Notably, he’s signed legislation protecting inclusive educational curricula and prohibiting schools from compelling the disclosure of students’ LGBTQ+ status without consent.

California was the first state to recognize same-sex domestic partnerships in 1999 and recently named itself the first sanctuary state for transgender youth. It boasts robust protection against sexual orientation discrimination in everyday life: education, housing, healthcare, and employment. In 2022, it established a Commission on the State of Hate to analyze and combat crimes motivated by prejudice. California is also home to nearly 100,000 same-sex couples.

Our study of LGBTQ+ Americans found that many have considered relocating for safety reasons. Among those open to moving, California emerged as the most desirable destination, with 18 percent of LGBTQ+ adults naming it their top choice, more than any other state in the nation.

3. Delaware – Safety Grade: A (94.6)

Earning an “A” grade and maintaining its third-place ranking on our list is Delaware, with an impressive safety score of 94.5. Known as “The First State” for its prompt ratification of the Constitution, Delaware was also among the first states to protect LGBTQ+ rights by decriminalizing homosexuality in 1973. Though home to barely one million inhabitants, Delaware’s ratio of LGBTQ citizens (4.5 percent) and share of LGBTQ+ citizens raising children (35 percent) are among the nation’s highest. According to the latest FBI data, zero hate crimes motivated by sexual orientation or gender identity prejudice were reported, with 80 percent of law enforcement agencies in the state reporting.

As of 2024, Delaware had 45 pro-equality laws on the books. Last year, the state expanded its already formidable protections against sexual orientation discrimination to include citizens identifying as pansexual or asexual specifically. In 2025, Delaware’s public schools implemented one of the nation's first history curricula inclusive of LGBTQ+ history. Governor Bethany Hall-Long's first executive order of the year also established the state's first LGBTQ+ Commission. Delaware’s progressive electorate also notably made Sarah McBride the nation’s first openly transgender member of Congress.

4. Connecticut – Safety Grade: A (94.3)

Today, many celebrate Connecticut as a haven for LGBTQ+ citizens – its 94.3 safety score earned an “A” grade and elevated it from #10 to #4 in our rankings. Initially settled in the 17th century, the Nutmeg State once considered sodomy a capital crime, but in modern times was one of the first states to repeal such prohibitions (1971), enact sexual orientation and gender identity protections (in 1991 and 2011, respectively), and became the second state to recognize same-sex marriages (2008).

More recently, in 2018, Connecticut led a movement to grant respectful treatment to transgender prisoners. In 2021, the state passed the Connecticut Parentage Act, granting sweeping parental rights and fertility access to LGBTQ+ citizens. Then, the state leaned on its welcoming environment to promote the state as an LGBTQ+ tourism destination.

In 2024, Connecticut had 51 pro-equality laws. Twenty-two of those were non-discrimination protections, which were most important to the safety of respondents in our study.

5. Nevada –  Safety Grade: A (93.4)

Posting a safety score of 93.4 granted Nevada an “A” grade and boosted it four positions since last year to crack our top five rankings. Nevada had 51 pro-equality laws, 21 of which were related to non-discrimination protections, the most important to our respondents. Additionally, Nevada had no anti-equality laws in 2024. However, it had a slightly lower hate crime reporting score compared to other states in the top five, with just 70 percent of agencies reporting hate crimes to the FBI.

The Silver State wasn’t an early example of inclusion, but has become a leader on prominent LGBTQ+ issues. Inclusion makes sense for an economy deeply tied to tourism. At the same time, a population boom primarily driven by California transplants has subtly reshaped the state’s political disposition.

Perhaps most notably, in 2022, Nevadan voters amended the state constitution to enshrine protections against discrimination based upon “sexual orientation, gender identity or expression”. In 2023, Nevada ensured that public school curricula include contributions by persons of “marginalized sexual orientation or gender identity”, and lawmakers are currently penning legislative protections for professionals providing gender-affirming care. On the lighter side, state officials are poised to officially recognize Las Vegas' “Fruit Loop” district as a historic LGBTQ+ landmark for its cultural importance and service as a community sanctuary.

Honorable Mentions

Outside the top five, New Hampshire, Minnesota, and Virginia also earned exemplary  “A” grades. More disappointingly, our new rankings saw both non-contiguous states tumble from the top five: Hawaii dropped from fifth to 19th place, and Alaska slid from fourth to 24th. Still, those positions kept them well ahead of our bottom five finishers.

The Worst States for LGBTQ+ Safety

Thirteen states received failing grades on our LGBTQ+ safety report card, with four of the worst five scores located in the nation’s Deep South (joined by Utah out west). South Dakota ranked last in our previous report but inched out of the bottom five this time, leaving the title of least safe state to Florida.

1.  Florida – Safety Grade: F (35.69)

Our new ranking system dropped Florida one position into dead last place as America’s worst state for LGBTQ+ safety, with an indisputable grade of “F”. Under Governor Ron DeSantis, the Sunshine State has become increasingly cloudy for the LGBTQ+ community. He’s signed laws including a “Don’t Say Gay” initiative to restrict scholastic discussion of sexual orientation (then censured Disney for its opposition to the bill), a limit on access to gender-affirming care, and the criminalization of prohibited bathroom use by transgender citizens. As of 2024, there were a total of 12 anti-equality laws on the books in Florida. To put that in perspective, Arkansas had the most at 13.

Seven anti-LGBTQ+ laws are currently advancing through the legislature, according to the ACLU. The statehouse has also proposed measures to ban Pride flags from public buildings, while local school districts have pulled LGBTQ+ books from the shelves. Additionally, Florida’s constitution still bans same-sex marriages (for now, superseded by SCOTUS’s ruling).

The climate of the state is so comparatively hostile that certain LGBTQ+ advocates and human rights organizations issued a travel advisory for the state. Additionally, Florida has the lowest percentage of hate crime reporting in the country with 44 percent of law enforcement agencies submitting hate crime data to the FBI in 2023.

2. Louisiana – Safety Grade: F (35.7)

Louisiana edged out Florida by the slimmest of margins to avoid last place and clock in as the second most dangerous state for LGBTQ+ persons. Worsening scores for safety and hate crimes dropped the Pelican State from its previous perch of #40 in 2024.

In 2024, the state had 12 anti-equality laws on its books. With Republicans reclaiming the governor’s mansion, Louisiana’s legislature unleashed an anti-LGBTQ+ agenda based on Florida’s blueprint. It passed a passel of laws, including its own “Don’t Say Gay” law, an anti-trans bathroom bill, and limitations on students wishing to alter their pronouns. Despite New Orleans' locally permissive disposition, this “Sportsman’s Paradise” is more like hell for the LGBTQ+ community statewide.

3. Mississippi – Safety Grade: F (37.7)

As a socially conservative state, Mississippi’s poor showing for LGBTQ+ safety likely comes as no surprise. Traditionally resistant to accepting gay rights (legislators and voters amended the state constitution to prohibit same-sex marriages in 2004, and the state was the last to acknowledge same-sex couples’ adoption rights),

Mississippi has recently gone on the offensive with a slew of anti-LGBTQ+ laws, with one new law in 2025 that mandated separate restrooms and other facilities for male and female inmates in correctional institutions.

Like several of its neighbors, Mississippi has limited access to gender-affirming care, restricted the use of gender-neutral bathrooms, and is currently prohibiting DEI statements and practices in schools. The state has also ordered the deletion of academic research related to gender studies. Mississippi may call itself “The Hospitality State,” but it is relatively inhospitable to its LGBTQ+ residents.

4. Tennessee –  Safety Grade: F (45.0)

Dropping 23 spots in our latest rankings, the Rocky Top State is now near the bottom for LGBTQ+ safety. Its plunge mainly reflected a threefold jump in reported hate crimes based on sexual orientation in the latest FBI statistics.

Tennessee’s statehouse sets the tone for anti-gay sentiments, having passed the most anti-LGBTQ+ legislation over the past decade and introduced 40 such bills in 2024 alone.

In addition to the usual array of restrictive policies governing bathroom use, sports participation, and education curricula, Tennessee has passed laws compelling the outing of gender-affirming students. It is currently advancing legislation that could impact the legality of gay marriages with restrictive licensing proposals.

In 2024, Tennessee had more anti-equality laws than pro-equality laws, and passed three new anti-equality policies in 2025 alone.

5. Utah –  Safety Grade: F (45.1)

Though certainly not a bastion of LGBTQ+ inclusion, the Beehive State has exhibited a bit more tolerance than other failing grade states on our list. In 2015, the so-called “Utah Compromise” banned housing and employment discrimination based on sexual orientation (albeit with significant religious exceptions). The influential Mormon church has also rolled back some of its controversial practices against LGBTQ+ members and supported same-sex marriage laws, even while expanding restrictions on transgender practitioners.

However, Utah’s legislature has recently echoed other conservative states with a barrage of anti-LGBTQ+ bills, including limitations on bathroom use, dormitory assignments, sports participation, and the first law to prohibit Pride flags in schools and government buildings. Utah lawmakers passed five new anti-equality laws in total in 2025. Measures like those, and a decrease in scores for safety and hate crimes, dropped Utah twelve slots into the nation's bottom five states for the LGBTQ+ community.

Circumstances may seem dire for LGBTQ+ individuals currently residing in these states, yet things may turn even more difficult given the country’s current political and legislative trajectory.

Recent Changes to Laws and Safety for LGBTQ+ Americans

Donald Trump’s 2024 election on a socially conservative platform undergirded by Project 2025’s agenda elevated apprehension in the queer community and inspired several state-level anti-LGBTQ+ policies.

On the national level, 98 percent of LGBTQ+ adults believe it is likely that the Trump administration will enact more federal policies that are harmful or discriminatory to LGBTQ+ people. Three-quarters label the possibility as “very” or “extremely” likely.

Such expectations already appear more validated than hypothetical, as President Trump issued several executive orders repealing LGBTQ+ protections, limiting LGBTQ+ rights, and slashing LGBTQ+ funding from his first day in office.

Following his lead, statehouses across the country have accelerated their torrid pace of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Lawmakers are considering over 900 measures that would impact transgender Americans in 2025 alone.

This multi-level display of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment has had a chilling effect on members of the community. Our survey found that 71 percent of LGBTQ+ Americans have avoided public spaces out of fear of discrimination or violence, up from 61 percent in 2023.

Religious institutions were the most commonly evaded locations, but respondents also avoided nightlife, sporting events, public transportation, and even Pride events for fear of encountering hate.

The escalation of concern also correlates with a rise in anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes. The number of such incidents has climbed for four consecutive years, nearly 3,000 in the FBI’s most recent annual count.

Beyond executive rhetoric and legislative restrictions, the LGBTQ+ community rightfully worries that the judiciary may roll back hard-won rights. Following the Dobbs decision rescinding a woman’s Constitutional right to abortion, conservative activists (and at least one justice) have aimed at overturning other protections like those laid out in Obergefell.

Everyone deserves to feel safe at home, and laws can help ensure personal security for all members of our communities. Substantial progress has been made across the grand arc of history for LGBTQ+ Americans, but as our rankings indicate, there is still far from a consensus view across the United States as to key questions and decisions related to equality under the law. For those who have a choice of where to live, these rankings offer a reference point for finding the safest location.

Methodology

The 2025 safety ranking is based on a composite safety score comprising a law score and a hate crime score.

We developed a “law score” for each state based on the presence of pro- and anti-equality legislation affecting LGBTQ+ residents. Our methodology involved two key steps: identifying relevant laws and determining their relative weights.

We used the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) 2024 State Equality Index State Scorecards, which provide a comprehensive breakdown of pro- and anti-equality legislation across all U.S. states. The HRC framework categorizes laws into six areas: parenting laws, hate crimes and criminal justice laws, non-discrimination laws, religious refusal and relationship recognition laws, youth laws, and health and safety laws.

To determine how much weight each legislative category should receive in our scoring system, we conducted a survey of 1,000 LGBTQ+ individuals in April 2025. Survey participants were asked to rank the relative importance and potential harm of different types of laws affecting LGBTQ+ people. Specifically, respondents evaluated laws that promote equality versus those that undermine it.

Each state's final law score was calculated by:

• Tallying the number of pro- and anti-equality laws in each of the legislative categories
• Applying the weights derived from our LGBTQ+ community survey to each category
• Computing a composite score that reflects both the quantity of relevant legislation and the community-assessed importance of each legal area, and normalizing it to a 100-point scale

The survey results showed the following ranking of law categories by importance:

Laws most important for promoting safety:

1. Non-discrimination laws that forbid discrimination in employment, housing, etc.
2. Health and safety laws that uphold the rights of LGBTQ+ people to receive healthcare, insurance, etc. (tie)
3. Criminal justice laws that require mandatory reporting of hate crimes, eliminate bias rage or panic defense for criminal acts, prevent police profiling (tie)
4. Youth laws that protect LGBTQ+ children through anti-bullying measures, bans on conversion therapy, and sex education
5. Parenting laws that legally recognize same-sex marriage and parenthood in various scenario

Laws most damaging to safety:

1. Criminal justice laws that criminalize HIV/AIDS nondisclosure, consensual sexual activity, etc)
2. Health & safety laws permitting discrimination in healthcare
3. Youth laws that restrict the rights of LGBTQ+ youth
4. Limits on non-discrimination laws
5. Parenting laws limiting the ability of LGBTQ+ people in adoption, fostering, etc
6. Religious refusal laws that permit the denial of services or employment to LGBTQ+ people based on religious belief

A “hate crime score” was also calculated based on an analysis of the incidence of hate crimes against people due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. The 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report’s Hate Crime Statistics Collection was used to count the number of relevant incidents in each state and divide them based on whether they happened in a rural or urban area. Note that the reported incidence of hate crimes versus the actual incidence rate may vary by relevant agency and, therefore, may not be a perfect representation of the actual hate crime landscape. Not every law enforcement agency in each state reported hate crime incidents to the FBI, which was reflected in a penalty to the score.

Incidence rates of hate crimes per 100,000 population were calculated for both rural and urban areas within each state. They were then weighted against the percent of the state’s population that lives in rural versus urban areas based on U.S. Census data. This was normalized to a score out of 100 but then multiplied by the percentage of the state’s law enforcement agencies that report hate crime incidents to the FBI as a penalty.

The final LGBTQ+ safety score for each state is the average of these law and hate crime scores, and we assigned letter grades on a curved scale to facilitate understanding of how well each state scored.