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The Municipal Equality Index has awarded Grand Rapids a perfect score in 2023, marking a six-point improvement from its score of 94 in 2022. The Index evaluates cities on their inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in municipal laws, policies, and services, and scores them on factors such as non-discrimination laws, municipal services, and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality. Even though Grand Rapids achieved a perfect score, it still lacks in areas like transgender-inclusive healthcare benefits, highlighting a need for improvement.
Municipal Equality Index’s Ranking of Cities for LGBTQ+ Inclusivity
The Municipal Equality Index evaluates cities on their treatment of LGBTQ+ residents and workers. In 2023, Grand Rapids, Michigan, achieved its first perfect score, up 6 points from 94 in 2022.
Grand Rapids’ inclusivity improvement has been palpable, says Jazz McKinney, Executive Director of the Grand Rapids Pride Center. The Municipal Equality Index bases scores on factors like inclusive laws, policies, services, municipal commitment, law enforcement, and LGBTQ+ equality leadership.
Rankings in Michigan and the Need for Improvement
A total of 506 cities were ranked, with 129 achieving perfect scores. Among 11 Michigan cities analyzed; Detroit, Ferndale, and Ann Arbor, all eastern cities, also scored 100. Notably, Traverse City and Kalamazoo in West Michigan scored 86 each.
Despite the perfect score, McKinney emphasizes that Grand Rapids has room to grow in terms of LGBTQ+ safety. The city received additional “flex” points in categories like protection from conversion therapy for youth and the presence of openly LGBTQ+ elected leaders. McKinney also explains that some of these points were awarded based on state-level policies that are not in place at the city level.
Transgender-Inclusive Healthcare Benefits
The city loses points for lacking transgender-inclusive healthcare benefits with zero out of eight points. McKinney identifies this area as a priority for the Pride Center in 2024, highlighting its importance for the vulnerable transgender community. They further state that support is especially needed for the unhoused population, which is predominantly LGBTQ+ and people of color.
Resources from the Grand Rapids Pride Center
The Grand Rapids Pride Center provides a range of educational resources, including a Health Equity Program. For a comprehensive breakdown of Grand Rapids’ score, you can visit the Municipal Equality Index’s scorecard.
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