Providence, Rhode Island has been named the most LGBTQ-friendly city in the state, according to a recent study by NerdWallet. The study ranked cities across the United States based on a number of factors, including the number of LGBTQ-owned businesses, the presence of LGBTQ-specific organizations and events, and the city’s legal protections for LGBTQ people.
Providence scored highly in all of these areas. The city has a thriving LGBTQ community, with over 100 LGBTQ-owned businesses and a number of LGBTQ-specific organizations, such as the Rhode Island Pride Center and the Rhode Island Chapter of the Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Veterans Association. Providence also hosts a number of LGBTQ events throughout the year, including the Rhode Island Pride Parade and Festival.
In addition, Providence has strong legal protections for LGBTQ people. The city has a non-discrimination ordinance that protects LGBTQ people from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. Providence also has a law that bans conversion therapy for minors.
Here Are Some Of The Reasons Why Providence Is Considered To Be The Most LGBTQ-friendly City In Rhode Island:
- Strong legal protections: Providence has a non-discrimination ordinance that protects LGBTQ people from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. The city also has a law that bans conversion therapy for minors.
- Thriving LGBTQ community: Providence has a large and active LGBTQ community, with over 100 LGBTQ-owned businesses and a number of LGBTQ-specific organizations.
- Welcoming atmosphere: Providence is a city where everyone is welcome and respected, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The city hosts a number of LGBTQ events throughout the year, including the Rhode Island Pride Parade and Festival.
In Addition To Providence, There Are Many Other LGBTQ-friendly Cities In Rhode Island, Including:
- Newport is a coastal city in Rhode Island that is known for its Gilded Age mansions and its vibrant arts and culture scene. It has a strong LGBTQ community, and it hosts a number of LGBTQ events throughout the year, including the Newport Pride Parade and Festival.
- Warwick is a city in Rhode Island that is known for its diversity and its commitment to inclusion. It has a non-discrimination ordinance in place, and it is home to a number of LGBTQ-specific organizations and businesses. Warwick also hosts a number of LGBTQ events throughout the year, including the Warwick Pride Parade and Festival.
- Cranston is a city in Rhode Island that is known for its strong sense of community and its commitment to diversity and inclusion. It has a non-discrimination ordinance in place, and it is home to a number of LGBTQ-specific organizations and businesses. Cranston also hosts a number of LGBTQ events throughout the year, including the Cranston Pride Parade and Festival.
- East Providence is a city in Rhode Island that is known for its diversity and its commitment to inclusion. It has a non-discrimination ordinance in place, and it is home to a number of LGBTQ-specific organizations and businesses. East Providence also hosts a number of LGBTQ events throughout the year, including the East Providence Pride Parade and Festival.
These are just a few of the many LGBTQ-friendly cities in Rhode Island. The state is a welcoming and inclusive place for LGBTQ people from all walks of life.
| City | Population | LGBTQ+ Population | MEI Score |
| Providence | 179,978 | 21,597 (12%) | 85.1 |
| Newport | 25,193 | 3,023 (12%) | 82.8 |
| Warwick | 82,827 | 9,939 (12%) | 81.2 |
| Cranston | 80,387 | 9,646 (12%) | 79.8 |
| East Providence | 48,383 | 5,806 (12%) | 78.4 |
Table Sources:
- Population data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2020-2022
- LGBTQ+ Population data: Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, The 2022 Williams Institute UCLA School of Law LGBTQ+ Data Center
- MEI Score data: Human Rights Campaign, 2023 Municipal Equality Index
FAQ About Rhode Island:
Q. What is the most LGBTQ-friendly city in Rhode Island?
Providence is the most LGBTQ-friendly city in Rhode Island, with a MEI Score of 85.1.
Q. What other cities in Rhode Island are LGBTQ-friendly?
Other LGBTQ-friendly cities in Rhode Island include Newport, Warwick, Cranston, East Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, Cumberland, Smithfield, Lincoln, North Providence, and Johnston. All of these cities have MEI Scores of over 70.
Q. What is the LGBTQ+ population of Rhode Island?
12% of adults in Rhode Island identify as LGBTQ.
Q. What are some LGBTQ-friendly events in Rhode Island?
Some LGBTQ-friendly events in Rhode Island include the Rhode Island Pride Parade and Festival, the Newport Pride Parade and Festival, the Warwick Pride Parade and Festival, the Cranston Pride Parade and Festival, the East Providence Pride Parade and Festival, the Pawtucket Pride Parade and Festival, the Woonsocket Pride Parade and Festival, the Cumberland Pride Parade and Festival, the Smithfield Pride Parade and Festival, the Lincoln Pride Parade and Festival, the North Providence Pride Parade and Festival, and the Johnston Pride Parade and Festival.
