City of Fort Worth | City of Fort Worth website
City of Fort Worth | City of Fort Worth website
Fort Worth, Texas, has once again earned a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index (MEI), reaffirming its commitment to LGBTQ inclusiveness. The MEI is a rating system that measures cities' inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender residents based on 49 criteria.
According to the report, to achieve a perfect score, cities must go beyond the protections offered by their state or the federal government and embrace inclusive laws and policies. Fort Worth has consistently surpassed these expectations, earning a score of 100 for the eighth consecutive year.
In 2015, Fort Worth scored 99 points, and in previous years, it received scores of 83, 91, and 89. This consistent improvement demonstrates the city's ongoing efforts to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for the LGBTQ community.
The 2023 MEI rates 506 cities from every state in the nation, evaluating them on five broad categories. Fort Worth's perfect score reflects its comprehensive approach to LGBTQ rights and protections in areas such as non-discrimination laws, municipal employment policies, and law enforcement practices.
Mayor John Doe expressed his pride in Fort Worth's achievement, stating, "We are honored to receive this recognition once again. Fort Worth is dedicated to promoting equality and ensuring that all residents, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feel safe, supported, and valued."
Fort Worth's success sets an example for other cities in Texas. While Fort Worth scored 100, other Texas cities also made commendable progress. The full report, including scorecards for every city, is available online, allowing communities to assess their own efforts and learn from successful practices.
The recognition Fort Worth has received for its LGBTQ inclusiveness is a testament to the city's commitment to equality and its ongoing efforts to create an inclusive and accepting community. As the city continues to prioritize LGBTQ rights and protections, Fort Worth remains a beacon of hope and progress for cities across the nation.