Washington slips in national ranking of LGBTQ+ equality
The 6.9% of Washingtonians who identify as LGBTQ+ collectively earn $23.9 billion in annual personal income, according to a new study released June 2 by the business advisory group Out Leadership.
Washington dropped two spots to No. 14 in Out Leadership’s ranking of best states for LGBTQ+ equality.
The organization’s annual LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index measures inclusivity gaps across all 50 states. The study analyzes progress made in five respective categories: legal and nondiscrimination protections, youth and family support, political and religious attitudes, health access and safety, and work environment and employment.
Washington received a combined score of 84.83 out of 100 this year, down from 85.83 in 2024. The index this year lowered Washington’s “governor rating,” which assesses how well the state’s highest elected official represented the LGBTQ+ community. Bob Ferguson was elected as the new governor in November.
https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2025/06/09/wa-ranking-slips-in-lgbtq-business-climate-index.html