Lexington again recognized as equality leader

Once again, Lexington has been recognized by the Human Rights Campaign, a nationally acclaimed civil rights organization, as a leader in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. In 2024, the city ranked 13th highest of 506 municipalities across the country, sitting in the top 2.5 percent.

Since 2021, Lexington has received the highest score of the evaluated cities in Kentucky. The Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index (MEI) team oversees an annual review of each municipality's laws, policies, and services that affect the cities' LGBTQ communities. Lexington is third best among rated municipalities in surrounding states, behind Arlington, VA, and Virginia Beach, VA.

"Our residents should be very proud of our community for its continued recognition as a national leader in LGBTQ equality," Mayor Linda Gorton said. "Since taking office in 2019, I have focused on making sure everyone in Lexington feels safe and supported. This includes those in our LGBTQ community."

Lexington received 95 base points, and an additional 19 flex points, giving the community an overall score of 114. The Human Rights Campaign considers 100 to be a perfect score, but municipalities are able to receive flex points allowing for a highest potential score of 122.

The annual MEI report is read by people around the world. "Lexington's leadership, reflected by our MEI score, not only shows our residents a strong commitment to equality, but is also seen by potential visitors, and those looking to relocate their businesses," Gorton said. "Our focus on making sure we have a safe and welcoming community is good for business."

Lexington has been rated by the Human Rights Campaign since 2013. The city has progressively improved its score, moving up from an initial rating of 53. In 1999, Lexington-Fayette was the first county in the state to pass an inclusive fairness ordinance. Since that time, the City has passed domestic partner benefits, policies for all-gender signage of city-owned, single occupancy facilities, and other supportive benefits for LGBTQ government employees. Lexington also continues to support local organizations that assist LGBTQ youth, historic archive organizations, has banned youth conversion therapy, launched the LexProud campaign, and more.

Lexington's scorecard can be found at Lexington HRC MEI Scorecard and the full Human Rights Campaign MEI report can be found at www.hrc.org/mei.