People moving to the United States are entering a shifting landscape of laws, policy, and federal funding. Companies are rolling back DEI initiatives in keeping with President Trump’s executive orders, which can affect hiring practices, company roles, and supplier choice.
For individuals, there is uncertainty about whether to expect respectful discourse, and heightened awareness of intolerant attitudes and behavior.
Even during less volatile times for the nation, individual states’ legislative freedom means that those identifying as LGBTQ+ can have very different experiences across the country. An independent nonprofit think tank, Movement Advancement Project (MAP), compiles indicators of equality and protections from state to state, as well as a nationwide snapshot.
MAP data can help prepare newcomers and may even guide the home search when a choice of location exists. New residents may be interested in the percentage of the population that identifies as LGBTQ+, parental leave laws for same-sex couples, employment and housing discrimination protections, laws and policies around youth gender expression, equal health care access, laws against hate crimes, and gender identity choice.
Of course, many factors contribute to the fabric of one’s living experience in a new place. State laws matter, but so do community initiatives and personal relationships. There can be very progressive cities within very conservative states, and vice versa.
And at street level, your neighbors’ views may be homogeneous or wildly divergent. Some of the richness of living somewhere new springs from encountering the unknown, sifting through experiences to make a connection and foster personal growth. Still, it helps to set expectations and be informed. In changeable times, it falls to individuals – more than ever – to educate and prepare themselves for a move to or within the U.S.
All of Living Abroad’s 90+ U.S. city reports contain MAP data on the state’s equality profile. This comprehensive ranking details statewide laws and policies regarding sexual orientation and gender identity. Our Reference Pro section also provides a collection of worldwide LGBTQ+ resources, including links to organizations around the globe, workplace briefings and employer guidance, and travel resources.
Written by Ellen Harris, GMS, Product Manager, Content Group
