Seattle Culture
Inclusion and Acceptance
Washington boasts top LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the U.S.
By Seattle Mag October 22, 2024
This article originally appeared in the September/October 2024 issue of Seattle magazine.
Three cities across Washington state are among the most LGBTQ+ friendly in the nation.
ConsumerAffairs ranks Tacoma No. 4, Spokane No. 9, and Seattle No. 10 based on a comprehensive study of LGBTQ+ representation, legislation, access to health care, safety, and affordability.
Seattle in particular has been a pioneer in protecting the rights of the LGTBQ+ community since the City Council passed the Fair Employment Practices Ordinance in 1973 that prohibited employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. The city also has enhanced penalties for hate crimes involving a victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Washington has one of the highest populations of LGBTQ+ residents in the U.S., at 7%. The national average is 5.5%.
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