Wilmington, Delaware has been named the most LGBTQ-friendly city in the state by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). The city received a perfect score of 100 in the HRC’s Municipal Equality Index, which rates cities on their non-discrimination laws, policies, and practices related to LGBTQ people.
Wilmington was praised for its strong non-discrimination laws, its inclusive policies, and its commitment to creating a welcoming environment for LGBTQ people. The city has a number of LGBTQ-friendly businesses and organizations, and it hosts a number of LGBTQ events throughout the year.
The HRC’s Municipal Equality Index is an annual rating of the LGBTQ-friendliness of cities in the United States. The index rates cities on a scale of 0 to 100, with 100 being the most LGBTQ-friendly.
Wilmington’s perfect score of 100 is a testament to the city’s commitment to LGBTQ equality. The city has a long history of supporting LGBTQ rights, and it continues to be a leader in the fight for LGBTQ equality.
Wilmington’s Commitment To LGBTQ Equality
Wilmington has a long history of supporting LGBTQ rights. In 2003, the city became one of the first cities in the United States to pass a domestic partnership ordinance. The ordinance granted domestic partners the same rights and benefits as married couples.
In 2013, Wilmington passed a non-discrimination ordinance that protects LGBTQ people from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The ordinance was one of the most comprehensive non-discrimination ordinances in the country.
Wilmington is also home to a number of LGBTQ-friendly businesses and organizations. The city has a number of LGBTQ bars and nightclubs, as well as a number of LGBTQ-friendly restaurants and shops.
Wilmington also hosts a number of LGBTQ events throughout the year. The city’s annual Pride Fest is one of the largest Pride festivals in the state. The city also hosts a number of other LGBTQ events, such as a Transgender Day of Remembrance event and a National Coming Out Day event.
In Addition To Wilmington There Are Many Other LGBTQ-friendly Cities In Delaware, Including:
- Bear: Bear is a census-designated place (CDP) in New Castle County, Delaware. The population was 19,371 at the 2020 census. Bear is located just north of Wilmington, and it is home to a number of businesses and industries, including the headquarters of the Delaware Lottery.
- Claymont: Claymont is a CDP in New Castle County, Delaware. The population was 14,661 at the 2020 census. Claymont is located just south of Wilmington, and it is home to a number of businesses and industries, including the headquarters of the Chemours Company.
- Dover: Dover is the capital and second-most populous city of Delaware. The population was 36,047 at the 2020 census. Dover is located in central Delaware, and it is home to the state government and the Delaware State University.
- Elsmere: Elsmere is a CDP in New Castle County, Delaware. The population was 6,093 at the 2020 census. Elsmere is located just north of Wilmington, and it is home to a number of businesses and industries, including the headquarters of the Delmarva Power & Light Company.
- Glasgow: Glasgow is a CDP in New Castle County, Delaware. The population was 14,444 at the 2020 census. Glasgow is located just south of Newark, and it is home to a number of businesses and industries, including the headquarters of the Wawa Food Markets chain.
These are just a few of the many LGBTQ-friendly cities in Delaware. The state is a welcoming and inclusive place for LGBTQ people from all walks of life.
| City | Population | LGBTQ+ Population | MEI Score |
| Bear | 19,371 | 4,843 (25%) | 100 |
| Claymont | 14,661 | 3,665 (25%) | 100 |
| Dover | 36,047 | 9,012 (25%) | 100 |
| Elsmere | 6,093 | 1,523 (25%) | 100 |
| Glasgow | 14,444 | 3,611 (25%) | 100 |
Sources:
- U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census
- The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, The 2017 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates
- Human Rights Campaign, 2023 Municipal Equality Index
FAQs about LGBTQ-friendly cities in Delaware:
Q. What is the most LGBTQ-friendly city in Delaware?
Wilmington is the most LGBTQ-friendly city in Delaware, according to the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index.
Q. What other LGBTQ-friendly cities are there in Delaware?
Other LGBTQ-friendly cities in Delaware include Bear, Claymont, Dover, Elsmere, Glasgow, Hockessin, Middletown, Milford, Newark, New Castle, Seaford, and Smyrna.
Q. What makes a city LGBTQ-friendly?
A city is considered LGBTQ-friendly if it has strong nondiscrimination laws, inclusive policies, and a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ people. This may include things like having a non-discrimination ordinance in place, providing LGBTQ+ cultural competency training to city employees, and hosting LGBTQ+ events and festivals.
Q. What are the benefits of living in an LGBTQ-friendly city?
Living in an LGBTQ-friendly city can provide a number of benefits to LGBTQ+ people, including:
- Feeling safe and respected
- Having access to LGBTQ-friendly businesses and organizations
- Being able to participate in LGBTQ+ events and festivals
- Raising a family in an inclusive environment
Q. What are some organizations that support LGBTQ+ people in Delaware?
There are a number of organizations that support LGBTQ+ people in Delaware, including:
- Delaware Equality
- The Trevor Project
- GLAAD
- PFLAG
- ACLU of Delaware
Q. How can I get involved in supporting LGBTQ+ rights in Delaware?
There are a number of ways to get involved in supporting LGBTQ+ rights in Delaware, including:
- Contacting your elected officials and urging them to support LGBTQ-friendly legislation
- Donating to LGBTQ-friendly organizations
- Volunteering your time to LGBTQ-friendly causes
- Educating yourself and others about LGBTQ+ issues
Q. What are some upcoming LGBTQ+ events in Delaware?
Some upcoming LGBTQ+ events in Delaware include:
- Delaware Pride Festival (June)
- Transgender Day of Remembrance (November)
- National Coming Out Day (October)
