This Texas City Has Been Named the Most LGBTQ Friendly City in State (You Won’t Believe Why!)

The 2023 Municipal Equality Index (MEI) by the Human Rights Campaign has named Austin, Texas the most LGBTQ-friendly city in the state. Austin received a perfect score of 100 out of 100 possible points in the MEI, which measures non-discrimination laws, municipal policies, and the inclusivity of city services.

Austin has a long history of being a welcoming and supportive city for the LGBTQ+ community. In 1974, Austin became the first city in the South to pass a non-discrimination ordinance for LGBTQ+ people. Today, Austin is home to a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, with numerous LGBTQ+-owned businesses and organizations, as well as a variety of LGBTQ+-friendly events and festivals throughout the year.

These statistics paint a stark picture of economic hardship faced by many residents of Austin, Texas

Category	Austin, TX
MEI score	100
LGBTQ+ population	10.3%
LGBTQ+-owned businesses	Yes
LGBTQ+ organizations	Yes
LGBTQ+-friendly events and festivals	Yes

Austin’s history of LGBTQ+ rights and protections

Austin has a strong record of LGBTQ+ rights and protections. In addition to passing the first non-discrimination ordinance for LGBTQ+ people in the South, Austin has also enacted a number of other ordinances and policies that protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. Austin is also home to a number of LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, such as Equality Texas and the Austin Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

Austin’s large and visible LGBTQ+ community

Austin is home to a large and visible LGBTQ+ community. According to the MEI, an estimated 10.3% of Austin’s population is LGBTQ+. This makes Austin one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the United States.

Austin’s LGBTQ+ community is active and engaged in all aspects of city life. LGBTQ+ people can be found in all walks of life in Austin, from business and politics to the arts and culture scene.

Austin’s LGBTQ+-owned businesses and organizations

Austin is home to a variety of LGBTQ+-owned businesses and organizations. These businesses and organizations provide essential services and support to the LGBTQ+ community.

Some examples of LGBTQ+-owned businesses in Austin include:

• The Tavern – A popular LGBTQ+ bar and nightclub
• The Wild Detectives – An independent bookstore and cafe
• Queer Gear – A clothing and accessories store for LGBTQ+ people

Some examples of LGBTQ+ organizations in Austin include:

• Equality Texas – A statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy organization
• Austin Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce – A business organization that supports LGBTQ+-owned businesses
• AIDS Services of Austin – A nonprofit organization that provides services to people living with HIV/AIDS

Austin’s LGBTQ+-friendly events and festivals

Austin hosts a number of LGBTQ+-friendly events and festivals throughout the year. These events and festivals provide opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community to come together and celebrate their diversity.

Some examples of LGBTQ+-friendly events and festivals in Austin include:

• Austin Pride – A week-long annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community
• Out in the Park – A family-friendly event at Zilker Park that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community
• Texas Gay Rodeo Association World Finals – A rodeo competition for LGBTQ+ people

Austin’s diversity and inclusion

Austin is a diverse and inclusive city that celebrates all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Austin is home to people from all walks of life, and the city’s culture is one of acceptance and tolerance.

Austin is also a city that is committed to social justice. The city has a number of programs and initiatives in place to promote equity and inclusion for all people, including LGBTQ+ people.

Conclusion

Austin is a great place to live, work, and raise a family for LGBTQ+ people. The city has a strong record of LGBTQ+ rights and protections, a large and visible LGBTQ+ community, and a variety of LGBTQ+-owned businesses and organizations. Austin also hosts a number of LGBTQ+-friendly events and festivals throughout the year.

It is important to have LGBTQ+-friendly cities because they provide safe and supportive places for LGBTQ+ people to live, work, and raise families. LGBTQ+-friendly cities also help to promote equality and inclusion for all people.