TL;DR
- The LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index shows a decline in state-level support for the community.
- Five states are highlighted for their poor performance.
- Northeast states dominate the top rankings.
- Pride celebrations continue despite challenges.
- Brands are still supporting LGBTQ+ rights this year.
Hello and Happy Pride Friday, folks! Your favorite audience editor, Edgar Ramirez, is back with some sizzling news fresh off the press. Buckle up, because the latest findings from the LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index are in, and they’re not looking too rosy. For the fourth year in a row, we’re seeing a national decline in support for the LGBTQ+ community. That’s right, five states—yes, even one that’s not in the South—are getting called out for their lackluster performance.
As Jack Walker reports, the eighth annual State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index, published by OutLeadership, an LGBTQ+ business network, scrutinizes states across five key categories. And guess what? The states that are already ranking low are sinking even lower. Fewer states are even managing to hover around the middle of the 100-point index scale. Talk about a downward spiral!
But don’t lose hope just yet! There’s a silver lining—five states from the Northeast are strutting their stuff in the top 10 best-performing states this year. The Midwest is also making a splash with two representatives, proving that even in the heartland, progress is possible. So, while some states are dragging their feet, others are leading the charge for LGBTQ+ inclusion.
As we gear up for Pride celebrations, let’s not forget to support the brands that are standing firm with our community. If you’re still piecing together your fabulous outfit for the festivities, check out these seven brands that haven’t backed down in their support for LGBTQ+ rights this year. We love to see it!
If you’re in the Miami area, mark your calendars for June 9—a big day for an LGBTQ+ candidate that you won’t want to miss. And while we’re on the topic of important stories, let’s shine a light on some of the other highlights from this week:
- A gay CECOT survivor is rebuilding his life in Spain while advocating for voiceless immigrants in America.
- Ballroom culture took center stage at the New York City Hall Pride celebration, showcasing the vibrant spirit of our community.
- This NYC LGBTQ+ health clinic is giving away the ultimate Pride Month survival kit—because who doesn’t love a little free swag?
- In a thought-provoking opinion piece, one survivor shares what colleges still don’t understand about sexual assault.
- A trans woman faces assault charges for self-defense in Wyoming, raising questions about the state’s ‘Stand Your Ground’ law.
- A federal judge rules that states can challenge Trump’s campaign against transgender kids—another win for our community!
As we navigate through these challenging times, let’s remember that Pride is about resilience, unity, and love. We may have our work cut out for us, but together, we can continue to push for progress and ensure that LGBTQ+ rights are not just a fleeting trend but a lasting reality. So, keep your heads high and your outfits even higher—Pride is here, and we’re not going anywhere!