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USA Today
a day ago
- USA Today
'Don't know how we should behave': Is the US South LGBTQ friendly?
'Don't know how we should behave': Is the US South LGBTQ friendly? Show Caption Hide Caption Organizers say political pressure is motivation to continue celebrating Pride Organizers say political pressure is motivation to continue organizing and celebrating Pride, although some corporate support dwindles. LGBTQ+ travelers are taking extra precautions, especially in the South, due to a perceived increase in hostility. Resources like IGLTA, Everywhere is Queer, and LGBTQ+ friendly travel advisors can help travelers find inclusive spaces and plan safer trips. Despite challenges, experts and travelers emphasize the diversity of the South and encourage researching destinations and engaging with local communities. When Madeline Gregg and her wife, Bryn, drive to Florida for vacation, they consider more than just road safety. In certain parts of the South, the 33-year-old certified sex educator said, it feels less risky for her to get out and pump gas while her wife, who is transgender, stays in the car. 'We don't even have to talk about it anymore,' she told USA TODAY. 'It's just assumed.' The couple has also learned which businesses have family or gender-neutral bathrooms conveniently located along the route from their home in Louisville, Kentucky, including in states with restrictive bathroom laws. Even in the Melbourne, Florida, area – where they typically visit three to five times a year and Bryn's family has a beach house – they are cautious about showing public displays of affection. 'We want to enjoy where we are, and if we draw more attention to us, we probably won't enjoy it as much,' she said. As a native Kentuckian, Gregg is accustomed to those kinds of precautions. However, she is among a number of people who have found traveling in the American South more fraught as the federal government targets the LGBTQ+ community. Even within the region, though, LGBTQ+ visitors' experiences can vary widely. Here's what to know when considering a trip to the South. 'I don't know how we should behave' While the South is varied and diverse, the region tends to be less LGBTQ+ friendly than some other parts of the country. Six of the lowest-ranked states on Out Leadership's 2025 State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index, which gauges the impacts of government policies and attitudes towards the community, were in the Southeast. Gregg said there were previously some areas where the pair felt they had to be more aware during their Florida road trips, but after the 2024 presidential election, it was 'vastly, vastly different.' 'People were more inclined to say things,' she said. 'A lot more stares.' She remembers a passerby even made a disparaging remark about gender identity while they were walking their dog in Florida. The couple has only been to Melbourne in the last six months. The Greggs are not the only ones. Omie, who makes travel content with his fiancé, Davey, under the moniker Traveling Boyfriends, similarly feels a 'level of paranoia' when visiting the region more now than ever before. The 34-year-old said the couple visits the South at least once a year for work or to see friends and family. They asked to be identified by only their professional names due to privacy and safety concerns. They spend much of their time abroad, but are based in Chicago when they're in the U.S. 'Driving from Atlanta to Charleston, you go through places that you're just like, 'I don't know how we should behave,'' he said. 'Like, you have to almost act as friends. You have to look over your shoulder in some ways.' Davey echoed that. The 37-year-old, who is originally from England, said visiting New York comparatively 'feels very, very open, very accepting.' 'It doesn't feel to me like that mentality changes depending on whatever the political sway of the country is at that moment,' he said. 'The South is just not as familiar and feels more uncomfortable. It may be (that) part of that, if I'm being honest, is a bit of ignorance, because I don't know it as well … but also because ... there are stories almost every day of some level of more integrated hate around these parts of the U.S.' Tips for traveling in the South Even so, there are plenty of inclusive spaces to be found. 'The South is incredibly diverse and very nuanced,' said Andy Knowles, a travel advisor with Fora Travel based in North Carolina. He said travelers have to make their own risk assessments before visiting a destination, and recommended doing 'as much research as you feel comfortable doing' on the front end. Getting to know the legislation on the books is a good idea. 'You can't dictate the entire state's sentiment based on their laws, but I think that that is a pretty good starting point,' Knowles said. A queer-friendly travel advisor can help walk clients through the planning process, too. John Tanzella, president and CEO of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) suggested connecting 'with local LGBTQ+ groups or trusted travel networks, and choose accommodations and services known for their inclusivity and care. This way, you can focus on enjoying your trip and feeling truly supported.' Travelers can find a database of accommodations on IGLTA's website. Knowles also noted that Expedia has an 'LGBTQ welcoming' search filter. Gregg recommended reaching out to tourism boards or following them on social media. 'The whole reason that they're there is because they want people to come, so they want you to feel as safe as possible in their city,' she said. She and her wife have also used the Everywhere is Queer app to find welcoming businesses. Once there, they have asked for their recommendations, as well. LGBTQ+ friendly destinations in the South Knowles said there are some 'really magical destinations for LGBTQ, travelers' in the region, including popular cities like Key West, Miami and Atlanta. 'New Orleans is, generally speaking, very diverse, very LGBTQ friendly, even in a state that's typically not,' Knowles added. He also recommended Savannah, Georgia, which has a thriving arts scene and more of a gay presence than some other Southern cities. Omie and Davey enjoyed a May trip to Charlotte, North Carolina. Tanzella also highlighted places like Tampa and Dallas, which 'have built warm, welcoming communities with year-round events and genuine allyship.' He advised travelers to look for 'signs of genuine commitment' from destinations, such as those that support LGBTQ+ events and community organizations and have clear anti-discrimination policies. 'Truly inclusive destinations don't just talk the talk during Pride Month, they show up year-round,' he said in an email. Still, during an April trip to San Francisco, Gregg was struck by the affectionate public displays of couples and the widespread use of rainbow flags. In contrast, she and her wife took down their pride flag back home in Louisville because passersby yelled slurs when the couple sat on the porch. 'It's extremely normal for us, but until you experience traveling to other places, you don't really realize how in the closet and how quiet you have to be in public in the South,' she said. She emphasized, however, it's important not to generalize, and attitudes and experiences can vary widely – even by neighborhood. 'I will say that the South has its stereotypes,' added Knowles, who was born and raised in California and moved to Asheville about three-and-a-half years ago. 'And I would just say, do not write off an entire region of the country based on some of the headlines that we see.' Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Pride Month 2025: Under Trump 2.0, least safe US states for LGBTQ+ people revealed. Check details
As Pride Month kicks off, a new report reveals deepening disparities in safety, rights, and inclusion for LGBTQ+ Americans depending on where they live. From health care access and legal protections to the tone set by state leadership, conditions for LGBTQ+ individuals vary dramatically across the United States. Out Leadership's 2025 State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index, now in its seventh year, evaluates all 50 states on how welcoming they are to LGBTQ+ residents. This year's findings come amid intensifying legislative pressure, with hundreds of anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced across the country and heated debates over flag bans and transgender rights dominating public discourse. Compiled with input from the Williams Institute and the Movement Advancement Project, the annual index is a resource for corporate leaders and policymakers. It comes at a time when Pride events face a rising tide of political opposition. In 2025, Utah became the first state to explicitly ban LGBTQ+ flags on government property, with Idaho and Montana following with similar restrictions. In total, at least 31 flag-related bills have been introduced in 17 states, targeting LGBTQ+ symbols in public spaces. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo ALSO READ: Jonathan Joss, who died in Texas shooting, lost him home and two dogs in January in tragic incident According to the Movement Advancement Project, over 700 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been proposed so far this year. Organizers report that this legislative onslaught—paired with federal rollbacks of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives under the Trump administration—has prompted major corporations like Mastercard, PepsiCo, and Nissan to scale back or withdraw support from major Pride events, reports NewsWeek. Live Events Despite financial strain and heightened security risks, Pride organizers across political divides are pressing forward. They emphasize the enduring importance of Pride as a space for visibility, identity, and solidarity. The report also cautions business leaders about the potential reputational and operational risks of operating in states where LGBTQ+ people face legal and social hostility. Top-Ranked States for LGBTQ+ Safety in 2025 The 2025 Index reveals a clear geographic pattern: states in the Northeast and on the West Coast lead in LGBTQ+ inclusivity and safety. Top 10 States: Massachusetts – 93.67 New York – 93.67 Connecticut – 92.27 New Jersey – 90.00 Vermont – 89.50 Rhode Island – 89.43 California – 88.57 Washington – 86.53 Maryland – 84.83 Oregon – 83.97 Massachusetts and New York tied for the top spot, each scoring 93.67 out of 100. These states, along with others in the top ten, have adopted robust nondiscrimination laws, bans on conversion therapy, inclusive health care policies, and benefit from strong pro-LGBTQ+ leadership. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey—the first openly lesbian governor in the U.S.—has prioritized equality across her administration. ALSO READ: Under Trump's 'big beautiful bill', 15 million Americans to lose their health care coverage? Check details Lowest-Ranked States for LGBTQ+ Safety in 2025 At the other end of the spectrum, states in the South and Plains regions continue to score lowest on the index. Bottom 10 States: Arkansas – 29.50 South Carolina – 32.15 Louisiana – 33.00 South Dakota – 34.80 Mississippi – 36.60 West Virginia – 37.43 Oklahoma – 37.62 Montana – 38.10 Missouri – 39.03 Alabama – 39.40 Arkansas remains the lowest-ranked state for the third year in a row. Many of the lowest-ranking states have expanded religious exemptions and enacted restrictions on updating gender markers on legal documents. Oklahoma, for example, has seen an uptick in LGBTQ+ residents seeking to move elsewhere due to safety concerns, with organizations like Rainbow Railroad and TRACTION reporting increased calls for help. ALSO READ: Jonathan Joss, 'King of the Hill' actor who voiced John Redcorn, shot dead several times in Texas Out Leadership underscores that state leadership plays a critical role in shaping outcomes. States with inclusive policies often have proactive, supportive governance. Michigan, for example, rose in the rankings after Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation expanding hate crime protections. As Pride 2025 unfolds, the index serves as both a reflection of current conditions and a call to action—for businesses, leaders, and citizens alike—to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals can live openly and safely, no matter where they reside. ALSO READ: US to observe federal holiday on June 19. Are stock markets closed that day? The authors of the index highlight a growing divide between states with high and low rankings, leading to increasing geographic polarization that affects not only legislation but also the everyday lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. 'Top-ranked states for LGBTQ+ equality continue to perform well, but the scores of the lowest-ranked states have dropped sharply,' said Brian Sims, Managing Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs at Out Leadership. 'This trend reflects a deepening polarization in both political and cultural attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community across the country.'
Newsweek
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Least Safe US States for LGBTQ+ People Revealed
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. As Pride Month begins, a new report highlights widening disparities in how LGBTQ+ Americans experience safety and equality across the country. From access to health care and legal protections to the tone set by state leadership, conditions vary drastically. Out Leadership's 2025 State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index, now in its seventh year, ranks all 50 states on how welcoming they are to LGBTQ+ residents. The findings come at a time of mounting legislative pressure, with hundreds of anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in statehouses nationwide and public debates over flag bans and trans rights intensifying. The annual index, compiled with input from the Williams Institute and the Movement Advancement Project, serves as a reference for corporate leaders and policymakers. The Context Pride 2025 arrives amid a heightened political and legislative backlash against LGBTQ+ rights. Utah became the first state to explicitly ban LGBTQ+ flags from government buildings and schools, Idaho and Montana following suit with restrictions. People take part in The New Queens Pride Parade in the neighborhood of Jackson Heights in the New York City borough of Queens, NY, June 1, 2025. June is traditionally considered Pride Month. People take part in The New Queens Pride Parade in the neighborhood of Jackson Heights in the New York City borough of Queens, NY, June 1, 2025. June is traditionally considered Pride Month. Sipa via AP Images/Photo by Anthony Behar/Sipa USA The flag bans are part of a wider trend—at least 31 flag-related bills have been introduced across 17 states, many of which explicitly or implicitly prohibit LGBTQ+ symbols on public property. More than 700 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in 2025 alone, according to the Movement Advancement Project. Pride organizers say the wave of legislation—coupled with the Trump administration's federal rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives—has led major corporate sponsors such as Mastercard, PepsiCo, and Nissan to withdraw support from some of the nation's largest Pride events. Despite financial losses and heightened security concerns, organizers in red and blue states insist that Pride celebrations will continue, emphasizing their importance as public expressions of identity and solidarity. The report aims to help business leaders "understand and respond to these risks and opportunities," noting that "multinational companies face operational and reputational risks when they do business in places where the legal and/or social atmosphere makes it difficult for LGBTQ+ people to live openly." Which States are Ranked the Safest for LGBTQ+ Americans? The 2025 State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index underscores a clear geographic trend: states on the West Coast and in the Northeast dominate the top of the rankings, while many Southern and Plains states lag behind. These states were ranked highest in the State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index: Massachusetts—93.67 New York—93.67 Connecticut—92.27 New Jersey—90.00 Vermont—89.50 Rhode Island—89.43 California—88.57 Washington—86.53 Maryland—84.83 Oregon—83.97 According to the index, Massachusetts and New York tied for first place in 2025, each earning a score of 93.67 out of 100. Connecticut (92.27), New Jersey (90.00), and Vermont (89.50) round out the top five safest states for LGBTQ+ residents. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, United States Representative, takes part in The New Queens Pride Parade in the neighborhood of Jackson Heights in the New York City borough of Queens, NY, June 1, 2025. June is traditionally considered... Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, United States Representative, takes part in The New Queens Pride Parade in the neighborhood of Jackson Heights in the New York City borough of Queens, NY, June 1, 2025. June is traditionally considered Pride Month. More Photo by Anthony Behar/Sipa USA/AP Images Many of these states have enacted expansive nondiscrimination protections, bans on conversion therapy, inclusive health care policies, and active support from state leadership. Massachusetts is led by Governor Maura Healey, the country's first openly lesbian governor, whose administration has prioritized LGBTQ+ equality in policy and practice. Maryland and Washington, D.C.-adjacent states, also performed well. Maryland's score rose to 84.83, thanks to robust family support and workplace protections. Which States are Ranked the Least Safe for LGBTQ+ Americans? These states were ranked the lowest in the State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index: Arkansas—29.50 South Carolina—32.15 Louisiana—33.00 South Dakota—34.80 Mississippi—36.60 West Virginia—37.43 Oklahoma—37.62 Montana—38.10 Missouri—39.03 Alabama—39.40 Arkansas ranks as the least safe state for LGBTQ+ people for the third consecutive year, followed by South Carolina, Louisiana and South Dakota at the bottom of the rankings. Alabama's score was slightly higher at 39.40, yet still placed it in the bottom ten. Many of these states also saw drops due to expanded religious exemptions and bans on updating gender markers on official documents including birth certificates and driver's licenses. (USA Today) Oklahoma, which scored just 37.62, has seen a notable increase in residents seeking to relocate, including LGBTQ+ families leaving due to threats or fear of discrimination. Nonprofit organizations such as TRACTION in Washington state and Rainbow Railroad in Canada have seen surging requests for support from LGBTQ+ people in red states. (USA Today) Out Leadership emphasizes that political leadership is a strong predictor of state scores. In contrast to bottom-tier states, those with inclusive policies often benefit from proactive governance. For instance, Michigan's rise in the rankings was linked to legislation signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer expanding hate crime protections. The index's authors note that the gap between high- and low-ranking states is widening, creating geographic polarization not just in law, but also in lived experiences. "While the top ranked states for LGBTQ+ equality broadly are staying strong, the bottom ranked states decreased in score significantly. This continues to signal increasing polarization across the country in political and cultural attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community," said Brian Sims, Managing Director, Public Policy and Government Affairs for Out Leadership.
