Trans Friendly States

The HRC* tracks how friendly states are to their LGBTQ+ residents and Connecticut is up near the top of the list. I think that we all know the least friendly states are but what about the most friendly states?

Is your home state LGBTQ friendly? See how your state measures up.
A lot of people may assume their state is friendly, but in reality, 25 states — half of the 50 United States — are rated in the lowest category.
LGBTQ Nation
By Juwan J. Holmes
February 9, 2021


Do you believe your hometown or locale is a friendly place for LGBTQ people? What about your state or territory?

For the seventh year in a row, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has released its State Equality Index, which comprehensively details how each state affects LGBTQ people and their families, based on laws and policies that either harm or improve the quality of life. A lot of people may assume their state is friendly, but in reality, 25 states — half of the 50 United States — are rated in the lowest category, meaning they are in “High Priority to Achieve Basic Equality,” HRC said.
[…]
The HRC specifies that, despite the court ruling [U.S. Supreme Court decision Bostock v. Clayton County], there are still 27 states where “LGBTQ people remain at risk of facing discrimination due to the lack of statutory protections.”

When Virginia flipped from Republican to Democrat so did it policies on LGBTQ+ issues,

“For example, the landmark Virginia Values Act passed and signed into law, making Virginia the first state in the South to adopt non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people,” David noted.

At the top of the list are a bunch of states that are vying for first place;

The 19 states were California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington state.

Then comes a bunch of states that show improvement,

Two states, Virginia and Iowa, were deemed to be “Solidifying Equality,” second to the “Innovative” rating.

Four states were ranked as “Building Equality” by HRC: Kansas, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Wisconsin.

In Connecticut we have just about every protection there is and then some. I think Connecticut has the only legislative committee on LGBTQ+ issues to advise the legislature and also the governor created a council to advise him on hate crimes and the council includes LGBTQ+ members.

I think that here in Connecticut we now have to focus our efforts on education and enforcement of the laws we have. And we need to focus on improving the quality of life here not just for us but also other minorities and also how to end hate crimes and force the haters back in the closet.

An article in the Hartford Courant Cultural divisions cast shadow on carnival in Unionville; activists call for Connecticut fairs to ban ‘symbols of hate’  says,

The bitter political divisions that have gripped the United States in recent years made for an unpleasant experience for several fairgoers who left complaining about Trump flags, the lack of masks even among food handlers, and alleged harassment of a young man carrying a Pride banner.
[…]
Prescott said it’s time for fairs, carnivals and festivals to ensure everyone feels welcome.

“People of color and the LGBTQ community should be able to go to family friendly events and have a good time. But time and time again it is clear that we aren’t safe anywhere,” she wrote.

The LGBTQ Nation article ends with...

The HRC rating, however, may further motivate Lone Star state lawmakers to take action, Outsmart notes. The recently formed Texas House LGBTQ Caucus made clear to the publication that “the fight for equality in Texas is far from over.”

Yeah right, and I have a bridge in Brooklyn that I want to sell you.

*HRC's 2020 State Equality Index