Tennessee at the bottom in ranks on LGBTQ+ friendliness. Why it could hurt the state's economy
For the last seven years, Out Leadership's State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index has measured the impact of state government policies and prevalent attitudes on the LGBTQ+ community, weighing factors such as support for young people and families, access to health care and safety, political and religious attitudes, work environment and employment and nondiscrimination protections.
The analysis identifies the optimal locations for businesses to establish a presence based on consumer behavior.
The average score for the United States has declined for the third consecutive year to 62.62. In the 2025 report, the U.S. scored 62.62 out of 100, representing a slight decrease from 2024's score of 62.77. According to the study, there were over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in 48 states in 2024.
Tennessee was ranked as one of the worst states for LGBTQ+ members which could put strains on the economy in the future.
"When more than 22% of Gen Z identifies as LGBTQ+ and 70% of LGBTQ+ employees believe being out in the workplace has had a positive impact on their career, companies that ignore this reality risk losing a talented future workforce and profits," the analysis wrote.
The analysis determined it costs companies an average of $8,710 to replace an employee in Tennessee, with senior executives costing upwards of $325,000.
According to Out Leadership's index, no. Tennessee scored a 35 out of a possible score of 100 on the index, making the state a high risk for the LGBTQ+ community. It is up one point from 2024's score, but only ten points higher than the minimum of 25.
While 6.3% of Tennessee residents identify as LGBTQ+, Tennessee is one of the frontrunners in anti-LGBTQ+ attitudes in the nation. At less than 10% of residents, LGBTQ+ members have a personal income of roughly $14.4 billion.
Each state is assigned a score of 20 in individual categories. For these categories, the highest score Tennessee earned was a 10.4.
Legal and nondiscrimination protection: 2
Youth and family support: 10.4
Political and religious attitudes: 7.6
Health access and safety: 6
Work environment and employment: 9
Tennessee is considered a high-risk state for business factors such as branding, clients, talent, and marketing. It is a notable risk to the future of businesses.
Companies are at high risk for branding, clients, talent and marketing due to Tennessee's legislation against LGBTQ+ people, and the state's governor and senators have negative voting records on LGBTQ+ issues. People may be less likely to interact with companies based in and associated with states that are strongly against LGBTQ+ people.
As young consumers and workers continue to enter the business market, companies may relocate to other states to take advantage of better opportunities to employ skilled workers. It is unlikely for LGBTQ+ members and allies to seek Tennessee out as a place to live and work based on the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in the state.
In the past five years, there have been countless measures introduced and signed in Tennessee that oppose LGBTQ+ individuals.
In 2020, Governor Bill Lee signed a bill into law that allows adoption and foster agencies within the state to refuse to place children in homes that 'violate the agency's written religious or moral convictions or policies.'
The "Don't Say Gay Bill" is a revised iteration of an earlier Tennessee bill designed to restrict LGBTQ+ content in textbooks and educational materials used in public schools.
In 2023, legislation was enacted to impose a statewide prohibition on drag shows, alongside a bill that limits 'adult cabaret performances' in public spaces or when children are present, as well as banning such performances within 1,000 feet of schools, public parks, or places of worship.
SB1861 was enacted in April 2022 and mandates that the Commissioner of Education must withhold a portion of education funding from Local Education Agencies if they do not determine a student's gender for school sports participation.
A bill was signed and enacted by Gov. Lee, which prohibits transgender youth from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity.
TN HB2316 was signed into law in May 2022 and 'prohibits biological males from participating in intercollegiate and intramural sports that are designed for females.'
TN SB2777 was introduced in February 2022, which would allow public school teachers to refuse to use a student's preferred pronoun if the pronoun is not consistent with the student's biological sex.
TN SB0657 was introduced in February 2022, which would criminalize the provision of gender affirming health care to minors unless the parent or guardian has written a recommendation from a minimum of three physicians.
As of 2021, transgender minors in Tennessee are prohibited from using school bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity.
Tennessee is the last state that explicitly prohibits an individual from changing the sex listed on their birth certificate following gender reassignment surgery.
In 2024, SB1738 was signed into law, which could place LGBTQ+ youth into unsupportive homes. The law prohibits the Department of Children's Services from requiring adoptive or foster parents to affirm or accept a child's sexual orientation or gender identity if doing so conflicts with the parents' religious beliefs.
In 2022, Gov. Lee signed into law legislation that requires the commissioner of education to withhold a portion of the education finance funds from Local Education Agencies if the LEA refuses or fails to determine a student's gender for purposes of participation in school sports.
Arkansas was the lowest-ranked state for the third year in a row with 29.50 points. This is the lowest score recorded since Out Leadership started its index. Last year, Arkansas scored a 27.
Arkansas scored a 29.50/100
South Carolina scored a 32.15/100
Louisiana scored a 33/100
South Dakota scored a 34.80/100
Tennessee scored a 35/100
New York and Massachusetts tied as the friendliest states for LGBTQ+ members with a score of 93.67. This is New York's fourth year in the top spot. In 2024, Massachusetts was at number 3.
Massachusetts scored a 93.67/100
New York scored a 93.67/100
Connecticut scored a 92.27/100
New Jersey scored a 90/100
Vermont scored an 89.50/100
The Southern United States was the least inviting area in the country towards LGBTQ+ members. Every other region of the country had a friendliness rating of over 50% in 2025.
Northeast regional ranking average: 84.74
West regional ranking average: 67.61
Midwest regional ranking average: 58.26
Southwest regional ranking average: 57.58
Southeast regional ranking average: 43.81
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Is Tennessee LGBTQ+ friendly? Study finds state ranks at bottom in US
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Indiana is among the least welcoming states for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Americans, according to a recent national study. Advocacy group Out Leadership this week released its seventh annual Business Climate Index Report, which assigns numbered scores to all 50 U.S. states based upon the government policies and local attitudes impacting LGBTQ+ communities. Indiana scored lower than Kentucky, Wyoming and Texas, where lawmakers in the Lone Star State have recently considered banning high school pride clubs. Indiana performed poorly across Midwest states as well, according to Out Leadership, while neighboring Illinois ranked among the safest places to live and work for LGBTQ+ people. Here's what we know about the study and why Indiana scored so low. Story continues after photo gallery. The recent findings by Out Leadership paint a "discouraging picture," it said, for LGBTQ+ Americans. 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According to Out Leadership, its annual Business Climate Index Report serves as a bellwether to alert companies on which U.S. states are making it harder for LGBTQ+ people to work and live. Where discrimination becomes a problem, they argue, queer Americans are more likely to leave, taking their skills with them. This can cost states money in the long run. The collective personal income of Indiana's LGBTQ+ population is conservatively around $12.6 billion, according to Out Leadership, which urges business leaders not to dismiss the needs of queer people. Out Leadership measured each U.S. state under five items of criteria, assigning each a total of 20 points. Here's how Indiana performed: Legal & Nondiscrimination Protections: Indiana received 9 out of 20 points. Youth & Family Support: Indiana received 6.57 out of 20 points. Political & Religious Attitudes: Indiana received 9.6 out of 20 points. Health Access & Safety: Indiana received 6.5 out of 20 points. 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Massachusetts: 93.67 New York: 93.67 Connecticut: 92.27 New Jersey: 90.07 Vermont: 89.50 Maine: 88.67 Illinois: 88.47 Colorado: 87.67 Minnesota: 87.33 Oregon: 87.00 New Mexico: 86.93 California: 86.67 Rhode Island: 85.70 Maryland: 84.83 Washington: 84.83 Michigan: 82.07 Hawaii: 81.27 Virginia: 80.47 Nevada: 79.67 New Hampshire: 76.08 Delaware: 71.43 Wisconsin: 68.72 Pennsylvania: 66.27 Arizona: 61.05 North Dakota: 56.47 Alaska: 56.00 Georgia: 53.50 Nebraska: 53.40 North Carolina: 53.05 Utah: 52.50 Kansas: 51.80 Iowa: 47.45 West Virginia: 46.90 Wyoming: 45.42 Texas: 44.70 Missouri: 43.60 Kentucky: 43.25 Indiana: 42.67 Ohio: 42.35 Florida: 42.20 Idaho: 42.07 Montana: 40.62 Alabama: 39.40 Oklahoma: 37.62 Mississippi: 37.27 Tennessee: 35.00 South Dakota: 34.80 Louisiana: 33.00 South Carolina: 32.15 Arkansas: 29.50 John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@ Find him on BlueSky at JohnWritesStuff. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana ranks among worst states for LGBTQ+ people to live and work
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Is Indiana a welcoming state for LGBTQ+ people? A national report says it's worse than Texas
Indiana is among the least welcoming states for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Americans, according to a recent national study. Advocacy group Out Leadership this week released its seventh annual Business Climate Index Report, which assigns numbered scores to all 50 U.S. states based upon the government policies and local attitudes impacting LGBTQ+ communities. Indiana scored lower than Kentucky, Wyoming and Texas, where lawmakers in the Lone Star State have recently considered banning high school pride clubs. Indiana performed poorly across Midwest states as well, according to Out Leadership, while neighboring Illinois ranked among the safest places to live and work for LGBTQ+ people. Here's what we know about the study and why Indiana scored so low. Story continues after photo gallery. The recent findings by Out Leadership paint a "discouraging picture," it said, for LGBTQ+ Americans. The report's national average equality score fell across the country for a third year in a row, dropping slightly from 62.77 to 62.22. "While this drop may seem small, it indicates a deeper regression," stated the report. "Political polarization is widening, and following the 2024 elections, a new wave of anti-LGBTQ+ laws is sweeping the nation." Data from the ACLU shows more than 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were filed in 2025 alone — nine of which were in Indiana. As many as 277,100 estimated Hoosiers, or roughly 5.4% of Indiana's population, identify as LGBTQ+, according to a 2023 study performed by the Williams Institute. The same report estimates the Midwest is home to roughly 2.9 million LGBTQ+ people — 21% of the region's total population. "Only 50.8% of LGBTQ+ workers in the Midwest are out at work," according to the report. According to Out Leadership, its annual Business Climate Index Report serves as a bellwether to alert companies on which U.S. states are making it harder for LGBTQ+ people to work and live. Where discrimination becomes a problem, they argue, queer Americans are more likely to leave, taking their skills with them. This can cost states money in the long run. The collective personal income of Indiana's LGBTQ+ population is conservatively around $12.6 billion, according to Out Leadership, which urges business leaders not to dismiss the needs of queer people. Out Leadership measured each U.S. state under five items of criteria, assigning each a total of 20 points. Here's how Indiana performed: The Hoosier State earned a total score of 42.67 out of a possible 100 points, according to Indiana's LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index Report. The low score it received placed Indiana near the bottom of the rankings, and gave Indiana the dubious distinction of being named a "high risk" area for LGBTQ+ people. In total, Indiana ranked 38th out of 50 states, with Arkansas receiving the worst score overall. Accounting for Indiana's low score, Out Leadership cited several laws passed by Indiana's state legislature in recent years harmful to the LGBTQ+ community. They include restricting the ability of pronouns at schools, blocking gender affirming care and banning transgender women from playing collegiate sports. A full copy of Indiana's Business State Climate Index Report with more details can be accessed online at Story continues after photo gallery. In order of worst to better, states that appeared at the bottom of the rankings are as followed: Both Massachusetts and New York tied for first place, according to the report, with Midwest states like Illinois and Minnesota appearing among the top ten places for LGBTQ+ people to work and live. Indiana ranked almost at the bottom of the list of regional Midwest states for LGBTQ+ people, coming in 10th place out of 12 states. The rankings are as follows: Story continues after photo gallery.
Indianapolis Star
06-06-2025
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Is Indiana a welcoming state for LGBTQ+ people? A national report says it's worse than Texas
Indiana is among the least welcoming states for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Americans, according to a recent national study. Advocacy group Out Leadership this week released its seventh annual Business Climate Index Report, which assigns numbered scores to all 50 U.S. states based upon the government policies and local attitudes impacting LGBTQ+ communities. Indiana scored lower than Kentucky, Wyoming and Texas, where lawmakers in the Lone Star State have recently considered banning high school pride clubs. Indiana performed poorly across Midwest states as well, according to Out Leadership, while neighboring Illinois ranked among the safest places to live and work for LGBTQ+ people. Here's what we know about the study and why Indiana scored so low. Story continues after photo gallery. The recent findings by Out Leadership paint a "discouraging picture," it said, for LGBTQ+ Americans. The report's national average equality score fell across the country for a third year in a row, dropping slightly from 62.77 to 62.22. "While this drop may seem small, it indicates a deeper regression," stated the report. "Political polarization is widening, and following the 2024 elections, a new wave of anti-LGBTQ+ laws is sweeping the nation." Data from the ACLU shows more than 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were filed in 2025 alone — nine of which were in Indiana. As many as 277,100 estimated Hoosiers, or roughly 5.4% of Indiana's population, identify as LGBTQ+, according to a 2023 study performed by the Williams Institute. The same report estimates the Midwest is home to roughly 2.9 million LGBTQ+ people — 21% of the region's total population. "Only 50.8% of LGBTQ+ workers in the Midwest are out at work," according to the report. According to Out Leadership, its annual Business Climate Index Report serves as a bellwether to alert companies on which U.S. states are making it harder for LGBTQ+ people to work and live. Where discrimination becomes a problem, they argue, queer Americans are more likely to leave, taking their skills with them. This can cost states money in the long run. The collective personal income of Indiana's LGBTQ+ population is conservatively around $12.6 billion, according to Out Leadership, which urges business leaders not to dismiss the needs of queer people. Out Leadership measured each U.S. state under five items of criteria, assigning each a total of 20 points. Here's how Indiana performed: The Hoosier State earned a total score of 42.67 out of a possible 100 points, according to Indiana's LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index Report. The low score it received placed Indiana near the bottom of the rankings, and gave Indiana the dubious distinction of being named a "high risk" area for LGBTQ+ people. In total, Indiana ranked 38th out of 50 states, with Arkansas receiving the worst score overall. Accounting for Indiana's low score, Out Leadership cited several laws passed by Indiana's state legislature in recent years harmful to the LGBTQ+ community. They include restricting the ability of pronouns at schools, blocking gender affirming care and banning transgender women from playing collegiate sports. A full copy of Indiana's Business State Climate Index Report with more details can be accessed online at Story continues after photo gallery. In order of worst to better, states that appeared at the bottom of the rankings are as followed: Both Massachusetts and New York tied for first place, according to the report, with Midwest states like Illinois and Minnesota appearing among the top ten places for LGBTQ+ people to work and live. Indiana ranked almost at the bottom of the list of regional Midwest states for LGBTQ+ people, coming in 10th place out of 12 states. The rankings are as follows: More about Pride Month in Indianapolis: Here's how Indy's LGBTQ+ community is celebrating Pride 🌈 Story continues after photo gallery.
