Best states to live for LGBTQ families

Move.org, a resource for those relocating to another city or state, released a report on the best and worst states for LGBTQ families. The list includes states that outlaw hate crimes and protect LGBT individuals against discrimination in the areas of adoption, employment, housing, public accommodations and state employment.

Factors include:

• Overall equality by state (positive laws and policies exist to look out for the LGBTQ+ community)
  Number of places that made the “Best Places to Work in 2018” list
• Amount of same-sex couples
• Number of pride centers in the state

via Move.org

At the top of the list reigns California. The LGBTQ population is considerable in California with almost 1.5 million LGBT-identifying individuals, according to Move.org. And with 21 LGBTQ resource centers on its grounds, it’s no wonder California made it to the very top of the list.

#2 Illinois

A close second is the Land of Lincoln. Like California, Illinois bans conversion therapy for minors and the state’s adoption laws place an emphasis on same-sex couples seeking joint adoption, thus facilitating adoption in the state.

#3 Hawaii

Hawaii, typically known for its pristine beaches, holds on firmly to the third place, primarily for its fair state laws and policies. Currently, Hawaii is home to one of the largest LGBTQ populations with about 42,000 LGBTQ-identifying individuals, according to Move.org.

#4 Connecticut

Credited for hate crime laws that address sexual orientation and gender identity, Connecticut takes the fourth place. Nevertheless, the state has some improvements to make because although same-sex couple adoptions are allowed, the same can’t be said of single LGBTQ-identifying individuals adopting.

The worst state?

West Virginia topped the worst list because it fails to define any protection for LGBTQ+ individuals within its laws and policies.