In a city that stands as a beacon for LGBTQ inclusion, St. Louis has once again secured a perfect score of 100 on the annual Municipal Equality Index (MEI) released by the Human Rights Campaign. This marks an impressive twelfth consecutive year for the city, showcasing its steadfast commitment to creating a welcoming environment for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Mayor Tishaura O. Jones, welcoming the Human Rights Campaign to St. Louis for the release of the MEI, emphasized the city’s resilience in the face of challenges, particularly highlighting recent attacks on transgender rights by the Missouri legislature and Attorney General. Despite these hurdles, Mayor Jones stated, “In the City of St. Louis, we fight like hell for our families,” underscoring the city’s unwavering dedication to supporting and protecting its LGBTQIA+ community.
The MEI evaluates 506 cities nationwide on inclusivity across laws, policies, and services for LGBTQIA+ individuals. St. Louis not only met but exceeded the criteria, boasting non-discrimination laws, inclusive health benefits for transgender employees, and support for same-sex domestic partners. Bonus points were earned for having elected and appointed LGBTQIA+ leaders and actively resisting restrictive state laws.
According to the Human Rights Campaign, St. Louis is not alone in its progress. The average MEI score for cities increased by two points, with a record-breaking 129 cities achieving a perfect score this year.
However, a conflicting narrative emerges from a report by Clever Real Estate, ranking St. Louis as the ninth least LGBTQ-friendly city in the country. The report associates this ranking with state-level anti-trans laws and the inclusivity of statewide curriculum standards. Despite this discrepancy, many are inclined to prioritize the Human Rights Campaign’s assessment, considering Clever’s limited sample size of 50 metro areas.
In the face of such conflicting perspectives, St. Louis residents and advocates celebrate the city’s enduring commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusivity, as reflected in the prestigious MEI score. The city’s journey to the top spot for the twelfth consecutive year is a testament to its dedication to fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can thrive.
Sources:
- Stlouis-mo.gov. (2023, November 24). Human rights campaign launches annual Municipal Equality Index in St. Louis. Stlouis-mo.gov.
- Krull, R. (2023, November 20). St. Louis is both great and terrible for LGBTQ residents. Riverfront Times.
- Image Credit: Theo Welling