For the eighth year running, Fort Worth has nailed a perfect score when it comes to LGBTQ inclusiveness, according to a recent report. The city aced the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index with a stellar 100, showing its ongoing commitment to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. The 2023 MEI, now in its twelfth year, judges 506 cities across the United States on how well they're doing, in embracing inclusive laws and policies, often going above and beyond what their state or the federal government provides, according to the City of Fort Worth.
Fort Worth didn't just luck into this top mark, but also the city consistently worked its way up from a score of 99 in 2015, and lesser scores in the years preceding. The MEI ratings are broken down into five categories, with Fort Worth snagging full points in non-discrimination laws, municipal services, and law enforcement, and nearly perfect scores for municipal employment practices, and leadership on LGBTQ equality.
It's not just Fort Worth waving the pride flag high in Texas. A host of other Texan cities including Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and Arlington also reached the pinnacle of the MEI with 100 points. Meanwhile, El Paso and Houston still have strides to make with scores of 79 and 73, respectively.
In stark contrast to some national narratives, Texas cities are setting an example in fostering inclusive communities. With consecutive years of perfect scores, Fort Worth has positioned itself at the forefront of LGBTQ inclusivity, a beacon for other cities aiming to score high on equality. And, for those who have been keeping watch, the city has come a long way, from a score of 89 in 2012 to a repeated 100 today – a testament to the dogged pursuit of progress in human rights.
