“Today, we celebrate the progress we’ve made as a city and look forward to building a more equitable, inclusive, and welcoming Richmond.” – Mayor Levar Stoney

Richmond, VA – Today, the Human Rights Campaign announced that the City of Richmond received a perfect score of 100 for the fourth year in a row on the annual 2023 Municipal Equality Index (MEI). The MEI examines “how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are of LGBTQ+ people who live and work there.”

The release of 2023 data marks the twelfth annual edition of the MEI with over 500 cities receiving a rating. The MEI looks at five categories to rate a city: non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement, and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.

The MEI acknowledges Richmond’s commitment to protect, uplift, and support the LGBTQ+ community, specifically looking at Richmond’s efforts of:

• Instituting LGBTQ+ inclusive non-discrimination laws in employment, housing, public accommodations, and other sectors;
• Creating safe and inclusive workplace conditions, which include transgender-inclusive healthcare benefits; and
• Creating LGBTQ+ liaisons in the city’s executive office and in the city’s police force.

“This recognition is a testament to our city’s commitment to making Richmond a welcoming and inclusive place for ALL Richmonders, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or socioeconomic status,” said Mayor Levar Stoney.  “The city will continue to work hard to uplift, support, and protect all members of the LGBTQ+ community. Today, we celebrate the progress we’ve made as a city and look forward to building a more equitable, inclusive, and welcoming Richmond.”

For more information review Richmond’s MEI scorecard here.

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