In a country known for its diversity, it’s so ironic that there are still places where being LGBTQ+ is a curse. The Pride parades and rainbow flags we see in the media aren’t the true representation of inclusive America. After carefully analyzing data from 200 major cities, we’ve identified 25 cities where LGBTQ+ acceptance isn’t a given, even in 2024.

From fair treatment policies to healthcare access, we’ve considered 20+ factors that reveal where equality falls short. By highlighting these cities, we’re not just pointing out problems—we’re calling for change. Let’s learn more about their present situation:

25. Baton Rouge, LA

Source: Wikimedia/Michael Maples, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Out of 200 cities, Baton Rouge, LA, ranked 176th on the “Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities” list. These are the standards by which this rating was determined.

Overall Score: 20.20

Equality Rank: 170

Affordability Rank: 167

Pride-Readiness Rank: 68

Community Support Rank: 143

Health Care Access Rank: 104

24. Shreveport, LA

Source: AdobeStock/SeanPavonePhoto

Out of 200 cities, Shreveport, LA, ranked 177th on the “Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities” list. These are the standards by which this rating was determined.

Overall Score: 20.07

Equality Rank: 148

Affordability Rank: 161

Pride-Readiness Rank: 115

Community Support Rank: 176

Health Care Access Rank: 96

23. Columbus, GA

Source: AdobeStock/SeanPavonePhoto

Out of 200 cities, Columbus, GA, ranked 178th on the “Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities” list. These are the standards by which this rating was determined.

Overall Score: 19.78

Equality Rank: 166

Affordability Rank: 147

Pride-Readiness Rank: 95

Community Support Rank: 142

Health Care Access Rank: 175

22. Carrollton, TX

Source: Wikimedia/Michael Barera

Out of 200 cities, Carrollton, TX, ranked 179th on the “Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities” list. These are the standards by which this rating was determined.

Overall Score: 19.63

Equality Rank: 180

Affordability Rank: 29

Pride-Readiness Rank: 183

Community Support Rank: 115

Health Care Access Rank: 135

21. Mobile, AL

Source: AdobeStock/SeanPavonePhoto

Out of 200 cities, Mobile, AL, ranked 180th on the “Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities” list. These are the standards by which this rating was determined.

Overall Score: 19.56

Equality Rank: 185

Affordability Rank: 160

Pride-Readiness Rank: 30

Community Support Rank: 129

Health Care Access Rank: 171

20. Waco, TX

Source: Shutterstock/Hundley Photography

Out of 200 cities, Waco, TX, ranked 181st on the “Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities” list. These are the standards by which this rating was determined.

Overall Score: 19.44

Equality Rank: 173

Affordability Rank: 102

Pride-Readiness Rank: 131

Community Support Rank: 136

Health Care Access Rank: 168

19. Irving, TX

Source: ISoldMyHouse

Out of 200 cities, Irving, TX, ranked 182nd on the “Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities” list. These are the standards by which this rating was determined.

Overall Score: 19.31

Equality Rank: 168

Affordability Rank: 30

Pride-Readiness Rank: 164

Community Support Rank: 171

Health Care Access Rank: 183

18. Clarksville, TN

Source: Wikimedia/Jugarum

Out of 200 cities, Clarksville, TN, ranked 183rd on the “Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities” list. These are the standards by which this rating was determined.

Overall Score: 18.58

Equality Rank: 167

Affordability Rank: 148

Pride-Readiness Rank: 133

Community Support Rank: 150

Health Care Access Rank: 165

17. Port St. Lucie, FL

Source: AdobeStock/Felix Mizioznikov

Out of 200 cities, Port St. Lucie, FL, ranked 184th on the “Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities” list. These are the standards by which this rating was determined.

Overall Score: 18.56

Equality Rank: 179

Affordability Rank: 71

Pride-Readiness Rank: 148

Community Support Rank: 137

Health Care Access Rank: 169

16. West Valley City, UT

Source: Wikimedia/Ken Lund

Out of 200 cities, West Valley City, UT, ranked 185th on the “Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities” list. These are the standards by which this rating was determined.

Overall Score: 18.48

Equality Rank: 152

Affordability Rank: 85

Pride-Readiness Rank: 198

Community Support Rank: 193

Health Care Access Rank: 195

15. Cape Coral, FL

Source: Shutterstock/Nadezda Murmakova

Out of 200 cities, Cape Coral, FL, ranked 186th on the “Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities” list. These are the standards by which this rating was determined.

Overall Score: 18.09

Equality Rank: 191

Affordability Rank: 107

Pride-Readiness Rank: 52

Community Support Rank: 154

Health Care Access Rank: 128

14. Amarillo, TX

Source: Wikimedia/Who What Where Nguyen Why a/k/a Anonymous Cow

Out of 200 cities, Amarillo, TX, ranked 187th on the “Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities” list. These are the standards by which this rating was determined.

Overall Score: 17.68

Equality Rank: 183

Affordability Rank: 44

Pride-Readiness Rank: 146

Community Support Rank: 165

Health Care Access Rank: 184

13. McAllen, TX

Source: Wikimedia/Anthony Acosta

Out of 200 cities, McAllen, TX, ranked 188th on the “Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities” list. These are the standards by which this rating was determined.

Overall Score: 17.64

Equality Rank: 199

Affordability Rank: 38

Pride-Readiness Rank: 86

Community Support Rank: 140

Health Care Access Rank: 170

12. Macon, GA

Source: AdobeStock/Designpics

Out of 200 cities, Macon, GA, ranked 189th on the “Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities” list. These are the standards by which this rating was determined.

Overall Score: 17.14

Equality Rank: 175

Affordability Rank: 117

Pride-Readiness Rank: 185

Community Support Rank: 133

Health Care Access Rank: 164

11. Grand Prairie, TX

Source: Wikimedia/Michael Barera

Out of 200 cities, Grand Prairie, TX, ranked 190th on the “Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities” list. These are the standards by which this rating was determined.

Overall Score: 16.74

Equality Rank: 187

Affordability Rank: 65

Pride-Readiness Rank: 177

Community Support Rank: 167

Health Care Access Rank: 137

10. Pembroke Pines, FL

Source: AdobeStock/JavierArtPhotography

Out of 200 cities, Pembroke Pines, FL, ranked 191st on the “Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities” list. These are the standards by which this rating was determined.

Overall Score: 16.60

Equality Rank: 186

Affordability Rank: 98

Pride-Readiness Rank: 158

Community Support Rank: 160

Health Care Access Rank: 145

9. Brownsville, TX

Source: Wikimedia/Eric Friedebach

Out of 200 cities, Brownsville, TX, ranked 192nd on the “Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities” list. These are the standards by which this rating was determined.

Overall Score: 16.02

Equality Rank: 177

Affordability Rank: 86

Pride-Readiness Rank: 118

Community Support Rank: 196

Health Care Access Rank: 200

8. Mesquite, TX

Source: Staff Photographer/Smiley N. Pool

Out of 200 cities, Mesquite, TX, ranked 193rd on the “Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities” list. These are the standards by which this rating was determined.

Overall Score: 15.18

Equality Rank: 177

Affordability Rank: 99

Pride-Readiness Rank: 194

Community Support Rank: 199

Health Care Access Rank: 193

7. Killeen, TX

Source: Wikimedia/Ed Schipul

Out of 200 cities, Killeen, TX, ranked 194th on the “Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities” list. These are the standards by which this rating was determined.

Overall Score: 15.03

Equality Rank: 193

Affordability Rank: 178

Pride-Readiness Rank: 107

Community Support Rank: 158

Health Care Access Rank: 157

6. Laredo, TX

Source: Wikimedia/Billy Hathorn

Out of 200 cities, Laredo, TX, ranked 195th on the “Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities” list. These are the standards by which this rating was determined.

Overall Score: 14.68

Equality Rank: 197

Affordability Rank: 66

Pride-Readiness Rank: 181

Community Support Rank: 170

Health Care Access Rank: 199

5. Augusta, GA

Source: AdobeStock/Kevin Ruck

Out of 200 cities, Augusta, GA, ranked 196th on the “Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities” list. These are the standards by which this rating was determined.

Overall Score: 14.56

Equality Rank: 190

Affordability Rank: 116

Pride-Readiness Rank: 139

Community Support Rank: 188

Health Care Access Rank: 158

4. Pasadena, TX

Source: Flickr/Norm Lanier

Out of 200 cities, Pasadena, TX, ranked 197th on the “Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities” list. These are the standards by which this rating was determined.

Overall Score: 14.56

Equality Rank: 194

Affordability Rank: 78

Pride-Readiness Rank: 171

Community Support Rank: 178

Health Care Access Rank: 194

3. Garland, TX

Source: Wikimedia/Carguychris

Out of 200 cities, Garland, TX, ranked 198th on the “Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities” list. These are the standards by which this rating was determined.

Overall Score: 13.63

Equality Rank: 195

Affordability Rank: 139

Pride-Readiness Rank: 184

Community Support Rank: 177

Health Care Access Rank: 181

2. Miramar, FL

Source: Wikimedia/Dallas Epperson

Out of 200 cities, Miramar, FL, ranked 199th on the “Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities” list. These are the standards by which this rating was determined.

Overall Score: 12.74

Equality Rank: 200

Affordability Rank: 96

Pride-Readiness Rank: 189

Community Support Rank: 125

Health Care Access Rank: 178

1. Hialeah, FL

Source: AdobeStock/Felix Mizioznikov

Out of 200 cities, Hialeah, FL, ranked 200th on the “Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities” list. These are the standards by which this rating was determined.

Overall Score: 10.75

Equality Rank: 198

Affordability Rank: 196

Pride-Readiness Rank: 169

Community Support Rank: 187

Health Care Access Rank: 177