It’s no secret that Atlanta is an epicenter for LGBTQ+ people in Georgia, as well LGBTQ+ people across the country and the world. A-Town boasts the best Pride festival in the Southeast, a spectacular mix of safe spaces and nightlife, and infrastructure in place for LGBTQ+ inclusion in our laws, policies, and services.
This has been solidified by a new report called the 2022 Municipal Equality Index (MEI), conducted by Human Rights Campaign Foundation. The equality index explores the progress made and needed across the U.S. when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community.
The President of HRC announced in a statement, “Over the past year, we have seen some amazing progress, and many pro-equality advancements. At the same time, we recognize the ongoing onslaught of attacks against LGBTQ+ rights and lives.”
Atlanta has received a perfect score in this annual analysis for the tenth year in a row! City of Atlanta LGBTQ Affairs announced in a post on Instagram, “We will continue to work with partners to ensure that our laws, policies and services support Atlanta’s LGBTQ community.”
The score takes into consideration the inclusivity of a city’s laws, policies and services impacting LGBTQ people. Cities are rated based on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement, leadership on equality, and more.
To see Atlana’s 2022 Municipal Equality Index Scorecare, click here. Or you can read the full report by clicking here.
Atlanta’s unique aspects from the report include youth bullying prevention policy for city services, openly LGBTQ+ elected or appointed leaders, services for the transgender community, elder LGBTQ+ people, plus so much more.
If you’re looking for ways to support Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ community, check out our round-up of incredible organizations you can support in the city. Or click the link below for some of Atlanta’s favorite queer-owned businesses in and around Atlanta.