If you are someone who identifies as part of the LGBTQ community and want to move to the United States, then you may have a few questions just to ascertain whether the country would be a good fit. In this article we will discuss whether the U.S. has a good reputation among the LGBT community and consequently the best cities in which to live.
Does the U.S. Have a Good Reputation Among the LGBTQ Community
As with many countries across the world, the United States has both positives and negatives when it comes to LGBTQ acceptance. As of June 2015, all states have legalized same-sex marriage. This was thanks in no small part to the Supreme Court, which cracked down on the bans. Nevertheless, there were several states that had already legalized it prior to this date, with Massachusetts being one of the first to do so back in May 2004.
This was a huge step forward for the gay community, and it allowed all gay people in the U.S. to finally tie the knot with their partner if they so wished. As well as this, more than twenty states have enacted anti-discrimination laws to ensure individuals can live freely knowing they are protected. This discrimination ban applies to public environments, jobs, and housing.
Although there are several laws that benefit the LGBTQ community, there are also a few negative ones. While some states have introduced strict laws to protect their LGBTQ residents, many states still do not support these people. According to MAP, eighteen states do not have any non-discrimination laws in place that protect from harassment due to sexual orientation or gender identity. This is a worrying statistic for those living in these places, which include Texas and Georgia, as this lack of protection can hinder the development of the LGBTQ community.
Most LGBTQ Friendly Cities in the U.S.
Nonetheless, there are a number of cities across the country that are friendly toward the LGBTQ community:
Orlando, Florida
Orlando, a city known for its spectacular theme parks, is known to be a great place for LGBTQ people to live. The good folk at OutCoast say the city is welcoming to all visitors, and it has one of the largest LGBTQ communities in the United States. There are also a few gay beaches in Florida, such as Cocoa Beach located in Orlando.
San Francisco, California
Being one of the most LGBTQ friendly cities in the world, San Francisco is an amazing city to live in thanks to its large LGBTQ presence. Nicknamed the ‘gay capital of the world’, it is a diverse city that has plenty of attractions to admire, including the Golden Gate Bridge.
New York City, New York
New York City is a location that was home to a massive LGBTQ presence when it wasn’t widely accepted elsewhere. Famously known as the place the “revolutionary” Stonewall Riots occurred, it is ideal for those looking to start a life in a bustling city.
Conclusion
To conclude then, the United States can be a good place to live if you identify as LGBTQ. However, it is important to understand that regulations and laws can and do differ between the states. Anti-discrimination laws are set in a number of states and same-sex marriage has been legalized in every state, which has been a step forward for the LGBTQ community. Nevertheless, there are certain places that do not have rules to protect their residents. Even so, Orlando, San Francisco, and New York City are among the best cities to live in if you identify as LGBTQ.
