This Iowa City Has Been Named the Most LGBTQ Friendly City in State (You Won’t Believe Why!)
Iowa City has been named the most LGBTQ friendly city in Iowa by Thrillist. It has also been consistently ranked as one of the most LGBTQ friendly cities in the United States by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, receiving a perfect score of 100 on the Municipal Equality Index (MEI) Scorecard.
These statistics paint a stark picture of the economic hardship faced by many residents of Iowa City
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Percentage of LGBTQ residents in Iowa City | 5.2% |
| Percentage of LGBTQ residents in Iowa | 4.0% |
| Number of LGBTQ-owned businesses in Iowa City | 50+ |
| Number of LGBTQ-friendly religious congregations in Iowa City | 20+ |
| Number of LGBTQ-friendly schools and universities in Iowa City | 5+ |
| Number of LGBTQ-friendly events and festivals in Iowa City each year | 10+ |
What is the Municipal Equality Index (MEI) Scorecard?
The Municipal Equality Index (MEI) Scorecard is a national benchmarking tool that evaluates local laws, policies, and practices related to LGBTQ equality. The MEI Scorecard is released annually by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, and it is used by cities and municipalities to assess their own LGBTQ friendliness and to identify areas for improvement.
Why is Iowa City considered such an LGBTQ friendly city?
There are a number of reasons why Iowa City is considered such an LGBTQ friendly city. First, the city has a strong non-discrimination ordinance that protects LGBTQ people from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. Second, the city has a number of LGBTQ-specific organizations and businesses. Third, the city is home to a diverse LGBTQ community that is active in all aspects of civic life. Fourth, the city has a history of supporting LGBTQ rights.
Examples of LGBTQ-friendly initiatives and organizations in Iowa City:
- Iowa City PrideFest: Iowa City PrideFest is an annual event that celebrates the LGBTQ community and its allies. The festival includes a parade, a street fair, and a variety of other events.
- Iowa City LGBTQ Meetup: The Iowa City LGBTQ Meetup is a group that hosts social events and activities for LGBTQ people and their allies.
- Queer Film Society at the University of Iowa: The Queer Film Society at the University of Iowa is a student organization that shows films that explore LGBTQ themes.
- Iowa City Human Rights Commission: The Iowa City Human Rights Commission is a city commission that works to promote and protect human rights for all people, including LGBTQ people.
- Iowa City Community Foundation: The Iowa City Community Foundation is a community foundation that supports a variety of nonprofits, including LGBTQ organizations.
Conclusion:
Iowa City is a welcoming and inclusive community for LGBTQ people. The city’s strong non-discrimination ordinance, LGBTQ-specific organizations and businesses, and diverse LGBTQ community make it one of the most LGBTQ friendly cities in the United States.
FAQ
Q: What is the Municipal Equality Index (MEI) Scorecard?
A: The Municipal Equality Index (MEI) Scorecard is a national benchmarking tool that evaluates local laws, policies, and practices related to LGBTQ equality. The MEI Scorecard is released annually by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, and it is used by cities and municipalities to assess their own LGBTQ friendliness and to identify areas for improvement.
Q: Why is Iowa City considered such an LGBTQ friendly city?
A: There are a number of reasons why Iowa City is considered such an LGBTQ friendly city. First, the city has a strong non-discrimination ordinance that protects LGBTQ people from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. Second, the city has a number of LGBTQ-specific organizations and businesses. Third, the city is home to a diverse LGBTQ community that is active in all aspects of civic life. Fourth, the city has a history of supporting LGBTQ rights.
Q: What are some examples of LGBTQ-friendly initiatives and organizations in Iowa City?
A: Some examples of LGBTQ-friendly initiatives and organizations in Iowa City include:
- Iowa City PrideFest
- Iowa City LGBTQ Meetup
- Queer Film Society at the University of Iowa
- Iowa City Human Rights Commission
- Iowa City Community Foundation
Q: What can other cities do to become more LGBTQ friendly?
A: Other cities can become more LGBTQ friendly by enacting strong non-discrimination ordinances, supporting LGBTQ organizations and businesses, and creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTQ people.
Q: What are the benefits of living in an LGBTQ friendly city?
A: The benefits of living in an LGBTQ friendly city include:
- Increased safety and security
- Access to LGBTQ-specific resources and services
- A sense of community and belonging
- Opportunities to participate in LGBTQ events and festivals
