Our 7th annual State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index shows which U.S. States are safe and which are unwelcoming for millions of LGBTQ+ Americans. It also shows a country growing more polarized on LGBTQ+ rights–and this divide is influencing where people choose to live, work, and do business.
For the third year in a row, the national average score declined, driven by the introduction of more than 550 anti-LGBTQ+ bills and a wave of newly-elected conservative officials pushing restrictive agendas.
States like Ohio, Florida, and Utah saw steep drops in the rankings due to laws that target LGBTQ+ youth, censor school discussions, and open the door to legalized discrimination.
Still, there are bright spots worth celebrating! Massachusetts and New York continue to lead with the highest scores and strongest protections in place. States like Kentucky and Michigan also made meaningful progress this year.
The message is clear: there are real consequences to both inclusion and exclusion. Companies operating in low-ranking states are losing talent and facing consumer pushback. Meanwhile, inclusive states are seeing their economies thrive, becoming magnets for innovation and top talent.
That’s why this Index matters. Whether you’re a CEO, policymaker, or investor, now is the time to speak up, realign your strategy and ensure your business stands on the right side of history.
You can download the 2025 State LGBTQ+ Business Climate index here.
The Climate Index measures and ranks all 50 US states across 5 key categories:
- Legal and Nondiscrimination Protections
- Youth and Family Support
- Political and Religious Attitudes
- Health Access and Safety
- Work Environment and Employment
Our valued partnerships make this work possible. The first State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index in 2019 was funded through a generous grant from the Gill Foundation.
The Index is powered with data from Out Leadership’s partners the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) which tracks over 50 different LGBTQ-related laws and policies, and the Williams Institute. We’re also deeply grateful to Ropes & Gray, our global pro bono legal partner, FCB which contributed original market research, and America Competes which helped develop the scoring for our risk assessments.
Finally, we extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Rachel Lynn Golden, to the members of Out Leadership’s Global Advisory Board and the senior leaders at our member companies whose commitment to using this Index drives meaningful progress for LGBTQ+ equality in business and beyond.
50 State CEO Briefs
The Climate Index comes with 50 individual U.S. State CEO Briefs. These are action-driven guides that explain what each state’s score means, how it was calculated, and how leaders can make a difference. In a country seemingly more divided than ever on LGBTQ+ rights, business has a powerful role to play. Policymakers listen when business leaders speak. Every company operating in the U.S. has the influence and responsibility to help shape a more inclusive and safer future for all.
