The political climate in the US and around the world is in upheaval. And for the LGBTQ population, this upheaval has created discomfort, concern, and even worry for their safety in some cases.
Obviously, we know that the Middle East, Africa, Russia, and lots of Asia are places never to be visited or settled in. But what about other places, in the US, and in other countries are now safe or unsafe?
Here, we are going to give you the straight sh*t on where you should and should not live – places where LGBTQ residents can stay put and places where they may want to consider leaving.
Starting in US Cities
Probably no surprises here.
San Francisco
San Francisco has been on the forefront of the LGBTQ+ movement and population for years. In fact, it has been known as the Gay Capital of the World. There is no doubt that this city is absolutely the best place for LGBT to live. There is the Castro District, one of the most famous Pride Parades in the world, and LGBTQ people enjoy perhaps the best healthcare too. Way back in the 1930’s, San Francisco was a welcoming city and has never wavered from its support of the LGBTQ population and its LGBTQ residents.
Seattle
As of 2013, Seattle bypassed San Francisco as the US city with the highest number of LGBTQ+ households, now 2.6% of the population. Since 1973, with the passage of its Fair Employment Practice Ordinance, prohibiting discrimination against anyone for their identified gender or sexual orientation. These anti-discrimination laws have been copied by other cities.
Like San Francisco, Seattle has had LGBTQ bars and clubs since the 1930s, and LGBTQ people enjoy complete support from the city. Capitol Hill is a center of shopping, culture, and recreation for Seattle’s LGBTQ community (rainbow painted sidewalks), and there are thriving queer communities throughout the city.
Seattle Pride week began in 1977 and has grown exponentially ever since.
Boston
Boston is considered one of the most LGBT people-friendly cities in the US.
Same-sex marriage became legal in 2004, far ahead of other cities. It is also the headquarters of plenty of organizations promoting LGBTQ rights, such as GLAD.
There are vibrant LGBTQ community neighborhoods, especially the South End and Jamaica Plain, both of which has rocking social venues – bars, restaurants, and year-round events., such as karaoke and drag brunches.
There is an annual Pride Parade and celebration drawing huge crowds from all over the US.
In all, Botson is a welcoming place for the LGBTQ community, and all will feel welcome and accepted.
San Diego
San Diego has a large and active LGBTQ population. About 4.5% of San Diego’s residents identify as LBTQ. There is the Hillcrest neighborhood which is the hub for the LGBTQ population and its cultural activities and events. Its Pride Parade is one of the biggest in the US.
In addition to Hillcrest, there are close neighborhoods of North Park and South Park which also support the LGBTQ population.
San Diego Pride is a week of celebration in July – a parade, a family-friendly festival, and lots of parties. There are plenty of other activities throughout the year.
All in all, San Diego is as LGBTQ-friendly as San Francisco and many other cities in California
Boston
Boston has a long history of being one of the most progressive cities in the US. Equality of marriage has been on the books since 2004. Some national organizations have their headquarters in Boston, including GLAD.
There are two well-known and popular neighborhoods specifically, South End and Jamaica Plain, that are hubs for the LGBTQ community, with plenty of gay nightlife and other social events, but queer people are welcome and embraced throughout the city.
Boston has an annual Pride Parade, attracting big crowds from all over.
In sum, LGBT people will feel fully comfortable and totally safe in Boston.
San Jose
Being only a short distance from San Francisco, San Jose is definitely an LGBTQ-friendly city. It houses quite a sizeable gay population and is a frontrunner in transgender health care benefits and anti-discrimination laws in city employment.
Recently, to renew its commitment to its LGBTQ population, San Jose dedicated its Post Street and renamed First and Market Streets as the QMunity District.
Because of its close proximity to San Francisco, San Jose celebrates San Francisco Pride.
The social scene is very diverse too. There are gay bars galore where all LGBTQ people congregate – from laid back quiet lounges to rocking dance clubs. Lesbian bars dot the landscape too.
Greensboro
This college town in North Carolina has a 100% rating from HRC’s Municipal Equality Index. It’s also an extremely affordable city for the LGBTQ population. There are seven colleges in Greensboro, so it is naturally a much more progressive city than others in the state. It’s a fully accepting and rather laid-back community but there is certainly a lively nightly social scene that includes gay bars of all kinds.
Greensboro hosts First Fridays which are very popular and queer-friendly too.
In terms of local laws, 2021 marked the passage of a city ordinance protecting LGBTQ people from prejudice because of their sex, gender identity, and/or sexual identity. Same sex couples are open and public about their partnerships.
In January 2021, Greensboro passed an ordinance explicitly safeguarding LGBTQ+ individuals from prejudice based on sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation. This makes Greensboro one of five North Carolina communities to include such protections and finally gave Greensboro a 100 on HRC’s MEI.
Chapel Hill and its suburb Carrboro are also very LGBTQ friendly, and HRC has given them 100% too.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs has the largest population of LGBTQ residents per capita than any other metro area in the country. And it, too, has a 100% rating from HRC.
Palm Springs first became a haven for homosexual celebrities in the 20s and 30s who wanted to keep their sexual orientations secret and private, so as not to lose their jobs. Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich were to famous lesbians who moved there.
The population of Palm Springs is in the 45,000 range, and about 50% are LGBTQ of every gender and sexuality.
Palm Springs had a slower start in the whole gay rights movement. It really began in 1986 with a Gay Pride music fest called “Sizzle” at a local hotel. And the first gay bar opened in 1991. From then, Palm Springs and next-door Cathedral City grew to become one of the most dynamic and LGBTQ-friendly cities in the country. To the point that, in 2018, and all LGBTQ+ city council was elected.
There are plenty of Pride events, marriage equity goes without question, and local laws against any kind of discrimination are in force (though hardly necessary given the population dynamic).
Palm Springs is also a haven for LGBTQ retirees. It’s cheaper than San Francisco, and there are thriving communities of retirees in all neighborhoods.
Salt Lake City
In a pretty conservative state, Salt Lake City stands out as an oasis as a city that embraces the entire LGBTQ community, with residents enjoying full equality for all genders and sexualities. In fact, a pretty significant percentage of the population identifies as gay. Advocate Magazine even included Salt Lake City as one of the “Ten Queerest Cities in America.”
Throughout the year, Salt Lake City hosts lots of events and has a Utah Pride Festival each year with as many as 100,000 attendees.
There are no specifically designated gayborhoods, although Sugar House and Capitol Hill seem to be hubs for gay bars, cafes, and entertainment events.
Politically, things are pretty progressive with openly gay elected city officials, and the gay mayor, Jackie Biskupski. The entire LGBTQ+ community feels really inclusive.
New Orleans
New Orleans is another one of the oases in a very conservative state.
While it is often only known for Mardi Gras and all the craziness that goes on during that event, it’s often easy to overlook the massive LGBTQ community in the city that not only participates in Mardi Gras but that resides in New Orleans year-round and make it one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the US.
There is a history in New Orleans. When they were shunned and persecuted in other places, gay authors and other artists found a home in the accepting environment of New Orleans. Famous playwright Tennessee Williams lived and authored his plays in the city. In short, New Orleans became a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ artists of all types.
Throughout the city, anyone will find gay bars and clubs of all varieties, drag shows at all hours, leather-clad gays on street corners, and just about any kind of entertainment or hookup anyone could want at any hour.
In short, LGBTQ people who visit or live in New Orleans will find an inclusive and fully embracing community.
Las Vegas
Sin city. “What goes on in Vegas stays in Vegas.” These are the common descriptions of this gambling capital of the US.
Not so much anymore. Las Vegas still has its casinos and shows along the Strip, but there has been a steady decline in travel to the city that shows no signs of letting up.
But that is not the whole picture of Las Vegas. There is a large and vibrant LGBTQ+ population in the metro area that has been active and influential. For example, Las Vegas legalized gay marriage before the US Supreme Court decision legalizing it. Same sex couples getting married has been the norm for many years.
Downtown Las Vegas sports an LGBTQ+ center that provides lots of resources and services to the population, and there are lots of events throughout the year.
A visitor will see LGBTQ PDA all over the place and Pride flags in windows of stores and businesses. This is what inclusion looks like.
Pride in Las Vegas comes at two times during the year. The Huge Pride Parade comes in October of each year, and it’s quite a celebration – not just amazing floats, but drag shows, food trucks, partying, and exhibitions.
Pride month is celebrated in June of each year with a ton of Pride events, parties, festivals, nightlife events, especially in the most well-known neighborhood, Fruit Loop, with a tone of bars and clubs.
Las Vegas is clearly one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in America.
Los Angeles
Back to cities in California again. Los Angeles is another one of those most LGBTQ-friendly cities in America, given its local laws and enforcement of state laws.
About 9%, or 665,000 of Los Angeles residents, identify as LGBTQ+, and 42% of that population are int the 18-34 age demographic. And a large percentage of these are people of color – Latino, black, or mixed.
There are several popular gayborhoods splattered all over the place.
West Hollywood
Also known as WeHo, this neighborhood the world’s first permitted Pride parade and has hosted that and other pride events all year. Nightlife is vibrant with plenty of bars and clubs, shops, and artists’ wares. 40% of the residents identify as gay.
Downtown LA
This is a LGBTQ area that is currently going through a Renaissance of sorts and remains fully gay friendly, though the population is widely diverse. New shops, clubs, dining choices, and cultural events are poppling up all over.
Long Beach
A place with a large gay population and one of the biggest Pride celebrations in May of each year – up to 80,000 attendees. There’s a variety of diverse bars, restaurants, and lots of events geared toward the gay people.
Silver Lake
Gay couples sport a bit of a retro vibe. It’s a pretty cool atmosphere with some great restaurants and nightlife choices, and lots of cultural richness. More of a laid-back environment.
The biggest struggle of the LGBTQ population in Los Angeles is affordability. Prices are high on everything in the metro area. May gay people have left for less expensive places in the state, but many remain, meet the challenge, and love their city.
Portland
Portland has a strong history of embracing the LGBTQ community, and that community is strong, active and lives happily and freely throughout the metro area.
Portland hosts Pride parades, drag shows, LGBTQ film festivals, parties, and much more to honor its gay communities. It even holds a Guinness World Record for holding events and having community organizations that support LGBTQ rights and dignity.
Portland was the first large city that elected an openly gay mayor, Sam Adams, in 2008. Local laws and ordinances provide same sex couples with the same rights as all couples, and same sex marriage has been legal since 2014.
Local laws follow all state comprehensive intolerance laws, and Portland has added more of its own.
There are no specific gayborhoods – the gay population is virtually everywhere. But the Burnside Triangle, right in the middle of the city, is sort of a symbolic hub.
Denver
The mile-high city is known as one of the most gay-friendly cities in America. It has a perfect 100 score by the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index, for its focus on equality, its tolerance laws, and commitment to inclusivity.
Denver holds gay events all year long, the most prominent being perhaps the largest PrideFest, with well over 400,000 attendees. Other popular events are the Rocky Mountain Regional Gay Rodeo and its CinemaQ Film Festival, celebrating gay cinema.
The City’s Capitol Hill neighborhood is the most well-known gayborhood. Here, the nightlife is lively and diverse, from laid-back venues, to dance parties and drag shows.
Denver is one of the very best cities for the gay population of any gender identity and sexuality to live, work, and play.
Tucson
In the Southwest, there is no city that is more gay-friendly than Tucson. There are no specific gayborhoods, because the LGBTQ+ community lives throughout the city – that’s how inclusive Tucson is, and there are gay bars, clubs, and events all over.
The University of Arizona is known for leading the nation in transgender research, and a wing of the VA hospital is dedicated to this gender identity.
The Tucson City Council voted to legitimize same-sex domestic partnerships and civil unions in 2013, giving them the same rights as hetero unions and marriages. This was before same sex marriage became nationally legal in 2015.
The same city council appointed members of the gay community (also elected them) to serve in public official positions. Most of the large corporations in the city (e.g. Raytheon and Intuit), as well as the U. of Arizona sponsor gay organizations all over Tucson.
Tucson has two Pride events every year. The Pride Parade and related festivities happen in June to coincide with national Gay Pride events. Pride in the Desert comes a short time later – lots of shows, parties, and other entertainment, food, and vendor booths.
Equality reigns in Tucson.
New York City
We could not end this list without speaking to New York City. Here is way gay activism began in 1969 with the Stonewall Riots in Greenwich Village. And ever since, NYC has been at the forefront of the sociopolitical movement for equality and full inclusion.
New York City has the largest self-identifying queers in the US – over 750,000. And this includes the largest transgender population in the world – an estimated 50,000+ pretty much taking up residence in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
Much of NYC’s laws and ordinances that protect the rights of the overall population gays have come from the state level (more on that later). Specific to NYC, there are a few additions:
- In 1998, Mayor Rudy Giuliani signed a law recognizing domestic partnerships in the city.
- Before the state-wide law, NYC (and several other cities) passed anti-discrimination ordinances protecting all gender identities, specifically meant for transgender people.
Although there is a strong presence of gay throughout NYC, there are some gayborhoods worth noting:
- Greenwich Village: Where it all began. This area is filled with gay bars, monuments, museums, and organizations, and it an LGBTQ+ cultural hub. It has become quite pricey, though, so many poor people have moved to other areas.
- Chelsea. Especially known as an art scene. gay-friendly businesses, bars, and art galleries. LGBTQ+ events throughout the year.
- Hells’ Kitchen. Just west of Times Square. Great spot for a lively nightlife. Bars and clubs host drag shows and other LGBTQ+ events.
- Bushwick: Relatively new gayborhood, popular among younger generations who are setting up permanent residence there. An artistic vibe coupled with nightlife of performances and parties.
- Jackson Heights: Lots of cultural events, small galleries, and other LGBTQ+-friendly spaces. One of the fastest growing gay communities in the city.
NYC celebrates Pride month in June with a huge march, Pride Fest street festival, and a ton of other events and activities throughout the month.
Washington DC
Despite the current political climate within the federal government, DC is still regarded as one of the friendliest cities for LGBTQ+ people.
About 15% of the local population identifies as LGBTQ+, and DC has a rich history of activism in support of equality. And it has many firsts in gay history, such as the first gay bookstore in the US. Throughout the city, there are plenty of memorials that pay tribute to gay rights activists.
Most prominent gayborhoods include Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, Shaw, and Adams Morgan. Dupont Circle is best known for it Capital Pride Parade and its 17th Street High Heel Race. Both Logan Square and Shaw have incredible nightlifes.
DC has lots of LGBTQ events throughout the year. Capital Pride includes cultural events, parades, and parties.
There you have it folks. These are not the only gay-friendly cities in the US, but they are representative of what everyone should strive for in their hometowns.
Now we have to address those cities in the US that are least gay-friendly and that should be avoided.
America’s Least Gay-Friendly Cities
These cities are all in states where restrictive laws, often reinforced further by local ordinances, make living in them a true challenge for anyone in the LGBYQ+ community. Individually or collectively, queer people in these cities will face the following:
- Some restrictions on same sex marriage – whatever they can get away with to skirt the 2015 Supreme Court decision.
- Restrictions on adoptions
- Legalization of conversion therapy
- No transgender rights for health care and making that health care illegal in many instances
- No legal rights to change birth certificates or other legal documents
- Restrictive bathroom policies in schools and public places
- Businesses can refuse services to gay people
- Banning of books in schools and public libraries that even hint at discussing non-heterosexual facts or lifestyles
- Lack of non-discrimination laws and ordinances in employment, housing, and other public services
- No restrictions on the legal claims of defense of being threatened by gays, allowing hate crimes against queers to flourish
The Movement Advancement Project (MAP) is a national non-profit organization that tracks US cities and states that are the most and least gay-friendly. They publish annual reports that serve as a good source of info.
So, what cities to avoid?
- Any town or city in Oklahoma
- Memphis TN
- Several cities in Florida because of state legislation and restriction on diversity and equality.
- Birmingham Alabama – again because of state laws that severely restrict equality
- Several cities in Texas, in alignment with state legislation. Austin is an exception.
As you can see from this partial list, least gay-friendly cities in the US are pretty much a reflection of the acceptance or non-acceptance of diversity and equality at the state level.
So, let’s unpack the states that have the most and least acceptance of the LGBTQ people, where residents enjoy equality and support in the majority of communities and where they will face lack of acceptance in communities.
US States that are Most and Least LGBTQ Friendly
It’s really easy to get to the heart of this matter. It’s blue vs. red. Blue states provide the safest and most accepting climate for LGBTQ individuals, providing residents with equality, protections via non- discrimination laws, and where the overall society embraces and accepts it residents as equals.
Blue states include:
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
Red states include:
- Arizona
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
now, this list of red states does not mean that there are not oases in certain cities where LGBTQ residents are welcomed and supported. And many gays who live in these states have higher concentrations in those metro areas. The list is based on restrictive state legislation, like those in Florida, that restrict how welcoming and protective those cities can be of its queer residents. Anyone contemplating moving to any red states should stay informed about changes in state legislation and specific communities that may be more friendly than others. Many gays who currently live in red states are seriously considering moving out, if that is financially feasible.
Well, this is a lot to chew on for sure. But we are not finished. It’s now time to go beyond America’s borders and check out countries around the world and find the most LGBYQ-friendly countries and the least.
Most and Least Gay-Friendly Countries
At the onset, we are going to skip the Middle East and Africa. In both of these areas, identifying as LGBTQ is a crime, and any queer activities are punished severely, including death sentences in many places. So, let’s take a look at the rest of the world by continents. And we should also mention the Spartacus Gay Travel Index.
A Word About the Spartacus Gay Travel Index
Spartacus is a German publisher. Every year, it publishes its index that measures the legal status and living conditions for the LGBTQ population all over the world, giving info about the inclusiveness and safety for the population.
Unfortunately, the US has dropped 7 positions due to increasing restrictions on the queer community, especially the trans population during the current Trump administration.
The following info comes from the Spartacus Gay Travel Index as well as other sources.
North and South America
Canada
Canada is an LGBTQ-friendly country with a strong legal commitment to queer rights. It legalized same sex marriage in 2005, long before marriage equality hit the US. Major cities like Toronto and Vancouver have large and vibrant queer communities with lots of events and socialization opportunities.
Overall, Canada is seen as one of the most advanced countries for its legal recognition of lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and all other who fall on the LGBTQ spectrum.
Mexico
At the national level, Mexico is very LGBTQ-friendly. It has legalized marriage equality and adoption, and those have been adopted in many states. Trans residents and change their legal documents. And the Mexican Constitution prohibits intolerance based on gender and/or sexuality.
The major cities, like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey are fully in compliance with national laws. there are Pride events in all major metro areas, and the low cost of living is certainly another attraction.
Local customs may vary, so anyone visiting or choosing to move to Mexico should stay informed of the local acceptance of the country’s legislation. Mexico is a largely Catholic country, and that faith does impact local society.
Central America
Here is a mixed bag. Costa Rica is probably the most LGBTQ-friendly country in Central America, and other countries are coming along A relative low cost of living is another draw. Panama and Belize are easing their attitudes, but there is no legislation protecting LGBTQ rights. Guatemala has queer bars and holds some events in the large cities – Antigua and Guatemala City specifically.
South America
Again, a mixed bag, but several countries stand out as some of the most gay friendly countries on the continent.
Uruguay and and Argentina have led the rest of the countries in LGBTQ rights, with lots of legislation, including same-sex marriage. Uruguay is ranked 6th on the Spartacus Index.
Argentina has a large residency of LGBTQ people and has a history of being a trailblazer in human rights across the board. It legalized same-sex marriage in 2010 and adopted a sweeping trans rights law two years later, granting familial rights and healthcare. And buenos Aires is the sight of Pride events throughout the year.
Brazil, Chile, and Colombia have also made significant strides toward their country’s acceptance and support for the LGBTQ population.
Other countries and rural areas of South America may not be as welcoming. Those who plan to make South America their home need to stay informed.
Europe
Who knows where Malta is? It is a group of three islands below Greece and above North Africa. And it is rated #1 on the Spartacus Index as well as other organizations that track queer status by country.
Malta
Not only is the queer population of this tiny country embraced and celebrated, but Malta has enacted legislation that provides the population with full equal status as all citizens. Non-discrimination acts prohibit intolerance on the basis of gender and sexuality is prohibited and punishable. Hate speech and actions are crimes. Trans folks have the rights to healthcare and to change their genders on all legal documents. Adoption rights apply to everyone.
Malta hosts its annual EuroPride, and the non-queer population consistently polls as fully embracing its queer community.
UK
Like the US, the UK dropped 6 positions over the past year, because it has come to ignore some of the anti-queer movements of the ultra-conservative wings of politics, along with their Supreme Court defining a female based on biological sex. This smacked square in the face of the trans female population.
Other Countries Whose Rankings Fell
Hungary and Georgia also fell quite a bit in rankings.
European countries that rank high on several indexes
Belgium, Iceland, Denmark, Spain, Finland, Greece, Germany, Norway, Luxembourg, Portugal, Sweden, Netherlands, Ireland, France, Austria, Slovenia, Switzerland, Montenegro, and Croatia are all within the top 20.
Countries that Have Made Progress
Poland is rising in the charts, as are Austria, Latvia, Germany, Czechia.
Austria, Latvia, Germany, Czechia and Poland also recorded the biggest jumps in their rankings.
Austria and Latvia rose four places, while Germany, Czechia, and Poland climbed three.
The Lowest Ranked Country: Romania, followed by Bulgaria.
Even in those countries that have fallen in the rankings, there are European cities within them that provide a wholly welcoming and embracing space for the LGBTQ+ community.
Eurasia
The definition of Eurasia is in a state of flux. Many of the Eastern European countries identify more with Europe than with Eurasia today, many of which are in NATO in fact.
Russia
Russia is obviously the largest country of this region. And the status of the LGBTQ+ population in this country is downright dangerous, repressive, and includes bans on any “propaganda” that promotes non-hetero lifestyles or rights. The LGBTQ population faces violence and all sorts of human rights violations. No queer should ever move to Russia.
Eurasian Muslim Countries
Azerbaijan and the Balkans are predominantly Muslim countries, and the status of the queer demographic is hostile.
Iran has criminalized any queer behavior. those caught are subjected to long prison terms where they face violence, torture, and death. Execution is also common.
Pakistan is another non-friendly country. While there is a some legislation allowing some queer activity, the social stigma is so great that queer people face harassment and violence.
Mongolia has made some strides by de-criminalizing LGBTQ behavior and has some non-discriminatory protections for this population. But it does not recognize same sex marriage or civil unions, and societal intolerance is prevalent. While gay men enjoy a bit better climate, lesbians do not.
India has made quite a bit of progress in the area of LGBTQ rights and protections. Homosexuality between consenting adults is legal based on a supreme court decision in 2018. There is also a Transgender Persons Protection of Rights Act in 2019 that allows trans people to identify a gender for legal documents.
Seme sex marriage is not legally recognized, and there are barriers to adoption.
There is still social stigma attached to the LGBTQ population. In cities where there are higher concentrations of LGBTQ people, acceptance is greater.
Asia
Asia is comprised of a ton of countries, so we will speak to the major ones first.
China
China has no legal protections for LGBTQ+ people, though it does claim to protect them. In reality, the population faces intolerance and marginalization and is simply not recognized as having any status at all.
Japan
It’s a mixed bag. Some progress has been made in recognizing same-sex partnerships and provides some limited benefits. There is no national comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, and no marriage equality, despite growing public support, especially among younger people.
Transgender people are required to undergo transition surgery before they may change their gender on legal documents.
Japan continues to evolve, albeit slowly.
South Korea
Status of LGBTQ+ people in S. Korea is much like that of Japan’s. Some legal advancements but no legal recognition or protections. There are also societal prejudices that impact LGBTQ lives. Again, things are evolving but slowly.
Southeast Asia
Overall, the status of LGBTQ+ people is not comfortable or safe.
Vietnam: 65% of the populace supports same-sex marriage, legislation not been changed accordingly.
Singapore: sex between men has been de-criminalized but not for lesbians, and the Constitution has recently been amended to block marriage equality
Malaysia and Indonesia: Have the lowest support for marriage equality. In some provinces of Indonesia, Sharia law reigns, and conversion therapy supported.
Brunei: Homosexuality has maximum penalty of death by stoning
Malaysia and the Philippines: conversion therapy legal, supported, and encouraged.
Throughout Southeast Asia, social stigma still reigns.
Australia and New Zealand
Both countries have similar legal status for the LGBTQ population. Same-sex marriage and adoption rights are established, but societal attitudes are not as accepting. Harassment and discrimination are commonplace in public places, in healthcare facilities, and at work.
Most recently, both have banned conversion therapy and passed hate crime legislation.
One of the Australian states, New South Wales, is a bit unique. In 2024, it passed the Equality Amendment Act, letting trans people change their sex on birth certificates without surgery. The Act also allows non-binary as a gender identification.
Interestingly, the state made a formal apology for its prior discriminatory legislation that caused them pain and suffering.
Whew. This has been a long and daunting task of an article, but a necessary one to take a look at the status of the LGBTQ+ population the world over.
One of the things that would be valuable to see would be national averages in all of these countries. Is there such a thing? The answer is yes.
Rankings of National Averages – Who Does It?
Actually, several indexes track national averages of the legal status of LGBTQ+ people by country.
Equaldex Equality Index
This index looks at 15 national policies that measure the comparison of LGBTQ equality with the non-queer population, including such areas as same-sex relationships, marriage, gender markers, and such. They also rank legal protections and public attitudes.
LGBT Equality Index
This index ranks not national averages by country but by continent, looking at legal progress as well as public opinion.
LGBT Rights by Country 2025
This index establishes a national average of LGBTQ+ rights by country, looking at legal status, public opinion, and safety.
Worldwide LGBTQIA+ Equality Index
This index is global, focusing on international average of rights and legal treatment of LGBTQI+ people globally.
LGBTQI+ Human Rights Report Cards
this is a report card of sorts, ranking the human rights protections of LGBTQ people in about 110 countries worldwide.
HRC 2025 Survey of Cities and Towns
This survey looks at 132 cities and scores those from highest to lowest. This survey includes about 49 million people globally.
All of these organizations give us a complete picture of national averages all over the place – good to know.
Yep…We’re Finished
If you have stuck with us, you have now become somewhat of an expert on where LGBTQ+ people can live safely, with legal status the gives them equality with their non-gay neighbors, that have protections against discrimination in all facets of their lives, and that just generally enjoy a happy and successful existence.
Share this post:
