City of Pasadena Municipal Equality Index Score Increases

PASADENA, Calif.-The City of Pasadena received a score of 95 out of 100 in the Human Rights Campaign's 2024 Municipal Equality Index (MEI), increasing four points from last year's score of 91.

The MEI is a nationwide evaluation of 506 cities to assess how inclusive their laws, policies, and services are for people within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) community. The MEI provides a framework for mayors, councilmembers, and administrators for taking impactful steps for protecting LGBTQ+ residents and staff. Localities are rated on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement, and leadership involving the LGBTQ+ community.

"The City of Pasadena is proud to receive a high score on the MEI 2024, demonstrating our commitment to upholding and improving the quality of life for our family, friends, and neighbors within the LGBTQ+ community," said Mayor Victor G. Gordo.

This year, a record-breaking 130 cities or over 25 percent of all MEI-rated cities earned the highest score of 100. The results of the MEI 2024 suggest that LGBTQ+ equality is making significant strides at the local level, highlighting the need for continued work to advance equality at the national level.

"A sense of belonging is incredibly important to our well-being and health," said Acting Director of Public Health Manuel Carmona. "In Pasadena, we celebrate diversity and continue to foster a community where everyone is welcome."

Pasadena continually embraces and supports the LGBTQ+ community by celebrating Pride Month and National Coming Out Day through various community events; issuing proclamations and resolutions that highlight LGBTQ+ members' contributions; and providing services and resources to LGBTQ+ youth and people experiencing homelessness, and individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for LGBTQ+ Americans. The report is available at the Human Rights Campaign MEI website.