Despite advancements in LGBTQ inclusion, many still lack safety at home. By the end of 2023, 75 of 500 anti-LGBTQ bills nationwide became law, coinciding with a five-year high in hate crimes against LGBTQ individuals in 2022.

Here are some key highlights of SafeHome.org’s third annual state safety ranking, which uses legislative analysis and FBI hate crime data:

• Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Delaware earned A+ grades for their strong pro-equality laws and low hate crime rates.
• South Dakota, Florida and Wyoming received F grades due to high discriminatory laws and hate crimes. Florida, notably, fell from the 15th-lowest safety score last year to one of the worst.
• Nearly 50% of states passed new anti-LGBTQ legislation in 2023.
• Hate crimes against LGBTQ people rose 10% between 2021 and 2022, with a 40% increase against transgender individuals.
• While 59% of LGBTQ people feel safer due to state laws, 89% believe federal action is necessary for full protection.

The ranking, based on the opinions of 1,000 LGBTQ Americans and information from the Human Rights Campaign, considers parenting freedoms, criminal justice rights, non-discrimination rights, youth protections, and health laws, alongside FBI-reported hate crime frequencies.

Top safe states

1. Rhode Island: Highest safety grade due to comprehensive protections and low hate crime incidence.
2. New Hampshire: Low hate crime rates and strong equality protections.
3. Delaware: Early legalization of same-sex marriage and extensive LGBTQ protections.
4. Alaska: Elected openly LGBTQ legislator and proposed anti-discrimination bills.
5. Hawaii: Strong legacy of LGBTQ friendliness and inclusive laws.

Worst states

1. South Dakota: High rate of hate crimes and many anti-equality laws.
2. Florida: Drastic decline due to harsh new laws like “Don’t Say Gay.”
3. Wyoming: Few pro-equality laws and high hate crime rates.
4. Ohio: High hate crimes and recent “Don’t Say Gay” law.
5. Alabama: Poor legal environment with many anti-equality laws.