79% of American workers say anti-LGBTQ+ laws impact where they move: report

Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation isn't just a scourge on human rights – it also stands to impact the American economy as it drives prospective workers away.

Out of 563 U.S. employees – both LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ – 94 percent said they believe that LGBTQ+ equality has worsened in the last year, according to a new report from Out & Equal, a nonprofit dedicated to queer workplace equality. Additionally, 45 percent of respondents said they feel less safe in their state of residence because of legislation targeting the queer community.

“For the past two decades, the LGBTQ+ movement has made significant advancements in equality, inclusion, and belonging in nearly all aspects of society and culture,” said the grou's CEO Erin Uritus in a statement. “Today, that progress is being challenged with pervasive intensity."

More than 550 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced across the U.S. in 2023, and 80 were passed into law. Less than three months into 2024, 479 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced, many of which outright prohibit LGBTQ+ curriculum in public schools or life-saving gender-affirming care for young people, according to the American Civil Liberties Union.

Because of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in state legislatures, 31 percent of respondents said they have considered relocating as a result of feeling less safe. An overwhelming 4 out of 5 (79 percent) said that anti-LGBTQ+ laws would affect whether they would choose to relocate for a new job or position in a new state.

Trending stories

Elon Musk deadnames his 'killed' child — his trans daughter claps back

How climate disasters hurt mental health in young people

Exclusive: Mike Maimone honors late husband Howard Bragman in new single “On My Way”

SFAF's Dr. Tyler TerMeer says he'll continue to fight for health care for all

Gerald Garth is determined to keep people of color happy and healthy through trying times

BREAKING NEWS: Trump admin moves to end federal HIV prevention programs

Discover why chic Costa Navarino is Europe's luxury getaway

'White Lotus' S3 E6 recap: We need to talk about the incest storyline

Pride journey Walla Walla: An LGBTQ+ wine, food, and adventure getaway

Trump's orders prompt CDC to erase HIV resources

Kelly Marie Tran says all of her roles are queer — including her latest in 'Control Freak'

10 lesbian sports movies that are total game-changers

Lana Ja'Rae was the ingenue of 'Drag Race' S17. Why are you mad, sis?

All 6 rogue Mississippi cops got long prison sentences in 'Goon Squad' torture of 2 Black men

Elon Musk uses burner accounts on X, doesn’t fact-check: report

France becomes world’s first country to enshrine abortion rights in constitution

Lexi Love goes public with HIV status after Trump wipes resources from federal website

Vivian Wilson calls father Elon Musk a 'pathetic manchild' in new tell-all interview

11 hypocritical MAGA politicians and supporters accused of sexual harassment and assault

Suzie Toot says the 'RuPaul's Drag Race' cast 'got hate crimed' in Las Vegas

Yellowjackets' Liv Hewson: Breaking Hollywood's binary is 'doable'

Where to stay in LGBTQ+ Ireland: Castles, domes and luxury retreats

From rock legends to Pride flags: Discover the vibrant LGBTQ+ scene in Asbury Park

How RuPaul dragified Las Vegas with a triumphant comeback

Joe Biden has tied the record for most LGBTQ+ judges confirmed in federal courts

• 0
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8

"These bills have devastating impacts on LGBTQ+ people, their families, their workplaces, and their communities. We are at a tipping point," Uritus said. "It’s why now, more than ever before, the LGBTQ+ community needs action paired with authentic allyship. When and where public policy falls short, businesses and their leaders have, can, and must become changemakers.”

While 40 percent said they do not feel fully comfortable discussing the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation with their supervisors, there are several steps the majority of respondents said their supervisors could take to make them feel supported in the workplace.

These steps included offering flexible/remote work options (56 percent), engaging in public policy advocacy (55 percent), providing employer-funded relocation resources (52 percent), providing support for out-of-state travel and benefits (50 percent), and hosting dedicated assistance programs for employees struggling with the impact, anticipated and felt, of changing legislation (42 percent).

“When lawmakers flood state houses with anti-LGBTQ+ bills, they are not just hurting LGBTQ+ people and their families, they are throwing up roadblocks to business growth,” said Out & Equal's chief program and partnerships officer Deena Fidas. “This research demonstrates that public policy aimed at curbing the fundamental rights of the LGBTQ+ community also curbs businesses’ ability to attract and retain talent, relocate employees with ease, and generally be nimble in the market."

"Inclusion and belonging are pillars that are both moral imperatives and smart business practice," she said.