Louisville Extends Perfect Score Streak on Human Rights Campaign Equality Index
Louisville has once again earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index (MEI), marking its 11th consecutive year of achieving this distinction.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (January 7, 2026) –The MEI evaluates cities nationwide on their commitment to LGBTQ+ equality through policies, services and leadership.
Since 2015, Louisville has consistently earned this top rating, reinforcing its reputation as an inclusive destination, reinforced by the city’s recognition as one of TravelPulse’s ‘25 LGBTQ Travel Destinations for 2025.’
The state’s second annual Bourbon & Belonging offered a range of activities, tastings and gatherings while raising funds for Queer Kentucky and other Kentucky-based LGBTQ+ community service organizations. The festival earned a nod from Wine Enthusiast as one of ‘The Best LGBTQ+ Food, Wine And Spirits Festivals.’
“Louisville’s perfect score is a clear message that we embrace and support our LGBTQ+ neighbors,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “I'm so proud that Louisville is a community where all can belong and feel welcome.”
“Achieving this recognition 11 years running reflects Louisville’s unwavering dedication to equality and inclusion,” said Cleo Battle, President & CEO of Louisville Tourism. “Earning a perfect score reflects the work we put into creating experiences where everyone feels welcome.”
Past LGBTQ+ Accolades for Louisville:
- 24 Great Places to Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Without A Crowd – Travel Pulse
- “Most Diverse Cities in the U.S.” – Far & Wide
- “10 Hottest Gay Destinations” – Orbitz
- “6 Surprising Cities Great for LGBTQ Families” – Family Traveller
- “One of America’s Gayest Cities” – Gallup Poll
- “6 Underrated Cities for LGBT Travelers” – Condé Nast Traveler
- “9 Perfect Places for Your LGBT Destination Wedding” – Travel + Leisure
In 2024, Louisville’s 21c Museum Hotel and Hotel Genevieve were also named to Explore.com’s list of the “12 Best LGBTQ+ Friendly Hotels in the U.S.,” placing Louisville alongside major LGBTQ+ destinations like Miami, San Francisco, Chicago, and New York City.
Louisville Metro’s MEI score reflects its commitment to equality through measures such as:
- Appointing openly LGBTQ+ leaders
- Protecting youth from conversion therapy
- Providing services for the transgender community
- Enforcing non-discrimination laws in housing, employment, and public accommodations
The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest civil rights organization advocating for LGBTQ+ equality, launched the MEI to assess cities on non-discrimination protections, municipal employee policies, city services, law enforcement, and leadership on LGBTQ+ issues.
View Louisville’s MEI scorecard, and check out events, resources, accolades, and more at LGBTQ Louisville.