Burlington, Vermont has been named the most LGBTQ-friendly city in the state. This is a well-deserved recognition, as Burlington has long been a leader in LGBTQ rights and inclusion. Burlington has a strong track record of supporting LGBTQ residents and businesses.
The city has a non-discrimination ordinance that protects LGBTQ people from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. Burlington also has a number of LGBTQ-specific organizations and businesses, such as the Pride Center of Vermont and the Vermont Gay Business Guild.
Burlington is also a city that is welcoming to LGBTQ visitors. The city has a number of LGBTQ-friendly hotels, restaurants, and bars. Burlington also hosts a number of LGBTQ events throughout the year, such as the Vermont Pride Parade and Festival.
Burlington’s LGBTQ-Friendly Environment
One of the things that makes Burlington such a great place for LGBTQ people is its friendly and welcoming environment. The city is home to a diverse LGBTQ community, and there is a strong sense of acceptance and support.
“Burlington is a city where I can be myself without fear,” said one LGBTQ resident. “I feel safe and respected here, and I know that I’m not alone.”
Burlington’s businesses are also committed to LGBTQ inclusion. Many businesses have non-discrimination policies in place, and some even have specific LGBTQ-friendly programs and initiatives.
“We want everyone to feel welcome at our business,” said the owner of an LGBTQ-friendly restaurant. “We believe that everyone deserves to be treated with respect, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
The Importance of LGBTQ-Friendly Communities
LGBTQ-friendly communities are important for a number of reasons. They provide a safe and supportive space for LGBTQ people to live, work, and socialize. LGBTQ-friendly communities also help to promote tolerance and understanding, and they can play a role in changing public opinion about LGBTQ issues. Burlington is a role model for other cities across the country. The city’s commitment to LGBTQ equality and inclusion is an inspiration to us all.
In Addition To Burlington, There Are Many Other LGBTQ-friendly Cities In Vermont, Including:
- Brattleboro is a vibrant town in southeastern Vermont that is known for its arts and culture scene. It has a strong LGBTQ community, and it hosts a number of LGBTQ events throughout the year, including the Brattleboro Pride Parade and Festival.
- Rutland is a city in central Vermont that is known for its diverse population 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. Rutland also hosts a number of LGBTQ events throughout the year, including the Rutland Pride Parade and Festival.
- Essex is a town in northwestern Vermont that is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and its commitment to diversity and inclusion. It has a non-discrimination ordinance in place, and it is home to a number of LGBTQ-friendly businesses. Essex also hosts a number of LGBTQ events throughout the year, including the Essex Pride Parade and Festival.
- South Burlington is a city in northwestern Vermont that is known for its thriving business 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-friendly businesses. South Burlington also hosts a number of LGBTQ events throughout the year, including the South Burlington Pride Parade and Festival.
These are just a few of the many LGBTQ-friendly cities in Vermont city. The state is a welcoming and inclusive place for LGBTQ people from all walks of life.
| City | Population | LGBTQ+ Population | MEI Score |
| Burlington | 42,818 | 5,138 (12%) | 82.6 |
| Rutland | 15,802 | 1,896 (12%) | 74.2 |
| Essex | 21,914 | 2,629 (12%) | 73.1 |
| South Burlington | 18,663 | 2,239 (12%) | 72.4 |
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 Vermont’s Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities:
Q. What is the most LGBTQ-friendly city in Vermont?
Burlington is the most LGBTQ-friendly city in Vermont, with a MEI Score of 82.6.
Q. What other cities in Vermont are LGBTQ-friendly?
Other LGBTQ-friendly cities in Vermont include Brattleboro, Montpelier, Rutland, Essex, South Burlington, and Winooski. All of these cities have MEI Scores of over 70.
Q. What is the MEI Score?
The MEI Score is a rating of how inclusive a city’s laws and policies are for LGBTQ people. A score of 100 is the best possible score, while a score of 0 is the worst.
Q. What is the LGBTQ+ population of Vermont?
12% of adults in Vermont identify as LGBTQ.
Q. What are some LGBTQ-friendly events in Vermont?
Some LGBTQ-friendly events in Vermont include the Vermont Pride Parade and Festival, the Brattleboro Pride Parade and Festival, the Montpelier Pride Parade and Festival, the Rutland Pride Parade and Festival, the Essex Pride Parade and Festival, the South Burlington Pride Parade and Festival, and the Winooski Pride Parade and Festival.
Q. What are some LGBTQ-friendly businesses in Vermont?
Some LGBTQ-friendly businesses in Vermont include Outright Vermont, Pride Place, Vermont Flannel Company, Burlington Soap Company, and Lake Champlain Chocolates.
Q. What are some LGBTQ-friendly organizations in Vermont?
Some LGBTQ-friendly organizations in Vermont include the Pride Center of Vermont, Vermont Gay Business Guild, Out in the Mountains, and Maple Corner Nursery.
