The Movement Advancement Project (MAP), an independent think tank in the United States, has unveiled a comprehensive, interactive map detailing the level of safety and legal protections available to LGBTQ+ individuals nationwide.
This innovative tool evaluates states based on various legal and policy criteria critical to the LGBTQ+ community, including relationship recognition, nondiscrimination protections, healthcare access, and more.
To achieve this, MAP meticulously assessed each state’s laws and policies across various sectors, assigning scores that reflect the degree to which these jurisdictions protect or harm LGBTQ+ residents. These scores then categorised states into five distinct tiers, ranging from “High” for states offering the most protections to “Negative” for those with laws that actively undermine LGBTQ+ rights.
States with a “High” score, marked green on the map, are identified as the safest for LGBTQ+ people, ensuring high legal protection. These include progressive states like California, New York, and Washington D.C., known for their robust LGBTQ+ rights laws. On the other end of the spectrum, states coloured red, such as Texas, Florida, and Tennessee, fall into the “Negative” category, indicating a hostile legal environment for LGBTQ+ individuals.
 This tool is designed to provide a snapshot of the current legal landscape, highlighting the vast disparities in LGBTQ+ protections nationwide. However, MAP emphasises that the map reflects only existing laws and policies, not pending legislation or enforcement practices, which could further impact the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ Americans.
With 27% of the LGBTQ+ population living in states with low protections and 44% in states scoring high, the map reveals a divided nation. MAP’s mission through this project is to advocate for a more inclusive and equitable America where LGBTQ+ individuals can thrive without fear of discrimination or harm. Founded in 2006, MAP continues to play a crucial role in advancing the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ communities nationwide.
