Safest U.S. States for LGBTQ Immigrants

Deciding which state to live and where to start your life in the U.S. is an important question for every new immigrant. For LGBTQ immigrants, this question may feel even more complex. Navigating safety concerns, gaining access to comprehensive healthcare, and ensuring a welcoming environment are likely all top of mind when choosing a new place to call home. Below is a list of U.S. states which rank highly for LGBTQ rights:

1. California & Vermont

Safety Index Score: 100

Positives for California:

✓Provides protections to an LGBTQ family and more adoption opportunities

✓Labor protection for LGBTQ individuals

Negative for California:

✗ Higher average for hate crimes

Positives for Vermont:

✓Labor protection for LGBTQ individuals

✓Comprehensive LGBTQ healthcare

Negative for Vermont:

✗ Higher average for hate crimes

2. Maryland

Safety Index Score: 97

Positives for Maryland:

✓Lower average for Hate Crimes

✓Anti-discrimination in Maryland schools

Negative for Maryland:

✗ Lack of comprehensive LGBTQ healthcare for trans people

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3. Washington

Safety Index Score: 94

Positives for Washington:

✓LGBTQ public accommodations

✓Anti-discrimination in Washington schools

Negative for Washington:

✗ Lack of alternative protections for couples not married

4. Illinois & Oregon

Safety Index Score: 92

Positives for Illinois:

✓Lower average for hate crimes

✓Labor protection for LGBTQ individuals

Negative for Illinois:

✗ Lack of comprehensive LGBTQ healthcare for trans people

Positives for Oregon:

✓LGBTQ public accommodations

✓Labor protection for LGBTQ individuals

Negative for Oregon:

✗ Higher average for hate crimes