Laramie Earns Top Spot as Wyoming’s Most LGBTQ+ Inclusive City

The city of Laramie has proven its efforts to be LGBTQ+ inclusive to all of Wyoming. The most recent version of the Human Rights Commission (HRC.) Municipal Equality Index scored the Gem City at 89 points on a scale of 100.

The City of Laramie press release reflected on Laramie's work to become an LGBTQ+ inclusive city. "We've worked purposefully for over a decade to understand the issues and concerns of our LGTBQ+ community and to instate supportive policies and practices," said City Manager Janine Jordan. "This year, we'll evaluate the establishment of a municipal commission on human rights with City Council and residents."

Laramie Mayor Brian Harrington noted the report is "rewarding to see" and indicates that "The [City] Council broadly understands the critical relationship between folks feeling supported by their community and the overall vibrancy of our City." The mayor assured the city that Laramie would continue to seek out the "highest quality of life possible for all residents."

What Does an HRC Index Score Mean?

The HRC Index score rates cities based on several categories, including the following:

• Non-Discrimination Laws: discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is prohibited by the city, county, or state.
• Municipality as Employer: Examines how municipalities commit themselves to treating LGBTQ+ employees equally via offering equivalent benefits, enforcing protections for LGBTQ+ employees, and taking steps to create inclusive workplaces across the city.
• Municipal Services: Identifies the city's efforts to include LGBTQ+ residents in city services and programs.
• Law Enforcement: Assesses the fair enforcement of laws that include responsible reporting of hate crimes and how Law Enforcement engages with the LGBTQ+ community.
• Leadership on LGBTQ+ Equality: Measures the city's attempts to include the LGBTQ+ community and advocate for equality.

Wyoming Ratings on the Human Rights Campaign Index:

The Index studied seven cities across the Equality State, including Casper, Cheyenne, Gillette, Jackson, Rock Springs, and Sheridan, in addition to Laramie. Of the other Wyoming cities rated on the Index, only Caser and Jackson ranked above a score of 50 points, and both trailed significantly behind Laramie. The HRC ranked Casper at a score of 72, while Jackson earned a rating of only 62 points.

As for the capital city, Cheyenne earned a score of 28 points - low but not the lowest in the state. That particular ranking goes to Sheridan and Rock Springs, who tied at only 12 points.

• Casper: 72/100 (Full report here.)
  • Worst Category: Law Enforcement (10/22 or ~45%)
  • Best Category: Non-Discrimination Laws (30/30 or 100%)
• Cheyenne: 28/100 (Full report here.)
  • Worst Category: Municipal Services (0/12 or 0%) and Non-Discrimination Laws (0/30 or 0%)
  • Best Category: Law Enforcement (12/22 or ~56%)
• Gillette: 22/100 (Full report here.)
  • Worst Category: Municipal Services (0/12 or 0%) and Non-Discrimination Laws (0/30 or 0%)
  • Best Category: Law Enforcement (12/22 or ~55%)
• Jackson: 62/100 (Full report here.) 
  • Worst Category:  Municipal Services (4/12 or ~33%)
  • Best Category: Non-Discrimination Laws (30/30 or 100%)
• Laramie: 89/100 (Full report here.) 
  • Worst Category: Municipal Services (5/12 or ~42%)
  • Best Category: Non-Discrimination Laws (30/30 or 100%) and Leadership on LGBTQ+ Equality (8/8 or 100%)
• Rock Springs: 12/100 (Full report here.)
  • Worst Category: Non-Discrimination Laws (0/30 or 0%), Municipality as Employer (0/28 or 0%), Municipal Services (0/12 or 0%), Leadership on LGBTQ+ Equality (0/8 or 0%)
  • Best Category: Law Enforcement (12/22 or 54%)
• Sheridan: 12/100 (Full Report here.)
  • Worst Category: Non-Discrimination Laws (0/30 or 0%), Municipality as Employer (0/28 or 0%), Municipal Services (0/12 or 0%), Leadership on LGBTQ+ Equality (0/8 or 0%)
  • Best Category: Law Enforcement (12/22 or 54%)

Find more info on the Human Rights Commission (HRC.) Municipal Equality Index by clicking here.