Seattle, Washington has been named the most LGBTQ-friendly city in the state by the Human Rights Campaign. This is due to a number of factors, including the city’s non-discrimination laws, hate crime prevention efforts, and support for LGBTQ businesses and organizations.
Seattle has a non-discrimination ordinance that protects LGBTQ people from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The city also has a hate crime prevention law that includes sexual orientation and gender identity. Additionally, Seattle has a number of LGBTQ-affirming businesses and organizations, including the Seattle Pride Alliance and the Equality Washington.
In addition to its welcoming atmosphere, Seattle also has a number of other factors that make it a great place to live for LGBTQ people. The city has a diverse population, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and a number of colleges and universities.
Seattle’s LGBTQ-Friendly Laws And Policies
Seattle has a number of laws and policies in place to protect LGBTQ people from discrimination and violence. These include:
- A non-discrimination ordinance that protects LGBTQ people from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
- A hate crime prevention law that includes sexual orientation and gender identity.
- A law that allows transgender people to use the restroom that corresponds with their gender identity.
- A law that prohibits the conversion therapy of minors.
Seattle’s LGBTQ-Affirming Businesses And Organizations
Seattle is home to a number of LGBTQ-affirming businesses and organizations, including:
- The Seattle Pride Alliance
- The Equality Washington
- The Gender Justice League
- The Seattle Gay Scene
- PFLAG Seattle
These businesses and organizations provide support and resources to LGBTQ people and their allies. They also help to promote LGBTQ visibility and acceptance.
Seattle’s Diverse Population And Vibrant Arts And Culture Scene
Seattle is a diverse city with a vibrant arts and culture scene. This makes it a welcoming place for LGBTQ people from all backgrounds.
The city has a number of museums, theaters, and other cultural attractions that celebrate LGBTQ culture and history. Seattle is also home to a number of LGBTQ-led arts and culture organizations, such as the Seattle Gay Men’s Chorus and the Seattle Lesbian Film Festival.
Seattle’s Colleges And Universities
Seattle is home to a number of colleges and universities, including the University of Washington and Seattle University. These colleges and universities often have LGBTQ-affirming resources and support programs.
In Addition To Seattle, There Are Many Other LGBTQ-friendly Cities In Washington, Including:
- Tacoma: Tacoma is the third largest city in Washington state, and it is located on the Puget Sound. Tacoma is home to a number of LGBTQ-affirming businesses and organizations, including the Tacoma Pride Alliance and the Gender Justice League.
- Bellevue: Bellevue is a city in King County, Washington, and it is located on the east shore of Lake Washington. Bellevue is a major economic center in the Seattle metropolitan area, and it is home to a number of LGBTQ-affirming businesses and organizations, including the Bellevue Pride Alliance and the PFLAG Bellevue chapter.
- Vancouver: Vancouver is a city in Clark County, Washington, and it is located on the north bank of the Columbia River. Vancouver is a major port city, and it is home to a number of LGBTQ-affirming businesses and organizations, including the Vancouver Pride Alliance and the Southwest Washington PFLAG chapter.
- Kent: Kent is a city in King County, Washington, and it is located at the southern edge of the Seattle metropolitan area. Kent is a major transportation hub, and it is home to a number of LGBTQ-affirming businesses and organizations, including the Kent Pride Alliance and the PFLAG Kent chapter.
- Yakima: Yakima is a city in Yakima County, Washington, and it is located in the central part of the state. Yakima is a major agricultural center, and it is home to a number of LGBTQ-affirming businesses and organizations, including the Yakima Pride Alliance and the PFLAG Yakima chapter.
City | Population | LGBTQ+ Population | MEI Score |
Tacoma | 219,346 | 7.6% | 92 |
Bellevue | 153,760 | 8.2% | 95 |
Vancouver | 183,471 | 7.9% | 97 |
Kent | 134,895 | 8.7% | 95 |
Yakima | 95,384 | 8.1% | 92 |
Sources:
- City: United States Census Bureau: https://www.census.gov/
- Population: United States Census Bureau: https://www.census.gov/
- LGBTQ+ Population: Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law: https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/
- MEI Score: Human Rights Campaign: https://www.hrc.org/
FAQs About LGBTQ+ friendly Cities In Washington:
Q. What is an LGBTQ+ friendly city?
An LGBTQ+ friendly city is a city where LGBTQ+ people feel safe, welcome, and supported. This means that the city has laws and policies in place to protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination and violence, and that there are resources and services available to support LGBTQ+ people.
Q. Which cities in Washington are the most LGBTQ+ friendly?
Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Bellevue, Vancouver, Everett, Kent, Renton, Yakima, Federal Way, and Auburn are the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in Washington.
Q. What are some of the things that make these cities LGBTQ+ friendly?
These cities have non-discrimination laws in place, hate crime prevention, support for LGBTQ+ businesses and organizations, diverse populations, vibrant arts and culture scenes, and colleges and universities with LGBTQ-affirming resources and support programs.
Q. Benefits of living in an LGBTQ+ friendly city
There are many benefits to living in an LGBTQ+ friendly city. LGBTQ+ friendly cities are more likely to have:
- Lower rates of violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people
- More LGBTQ-affirming businesses and organizations
- More inclusive communities and workplaces
- More opportunities for LGBTQ+ people to thrive
Q. How can I find out more about LGBTQ+ friendly cities in Washington?
There are a number of resources available to help you learn more about LGBTQ+ friendly cities in Washington. Here are a few suggestions:
- The Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index: This index provides a scorecard on the LGBTQ equality laws and policies of cities across the United States.
- The Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law: This institute conducts research on LGBTQ issues, including LGBTQ demographics.
- Local LGBTQ organizations: Many cities in Washington have local LGBTQ organizations that can provide information and support to LGBTQ people and their allies.