Move where you and your family will be welcomed and safe.
As you seek a new community that will be welcoming, safe and will protect your LGBTQ+ rights, why not also consider your impact as a voter? By helping to win back federal and state-wide offices, you can be part of a growing movement of movers who maximize the value of their voices and their votes through the strategic selection of their destinations.
Once we are confident a community is safe, we vet each recommendation for:
Political Impact
We look for toss-up districts that are vital for the left and where there is the potential to impact multiple elections.
Affordability
We consider factors like the cost of living, wages, taxes, and job opportunities for people at all stages of their careers.
Lifestyle
We screen for climate, outdoor recreation, restaurants, cultural attractions, diversity, education, health care, and more!
MoveIndigo identifies toss-up districts where you can have everything you want in your new neighborhood — AND be a change maker at the ballot box!
Here are a few locations to consider:
LGBTQ+ friendly states with a high or medium overall policy as defined by the Movement Advancement Project.
California
The 2024 House races in the Congressional Districts (CDs 13, 22, 27, 41, 45 and 47) where our California communities can be found are all considered to be close races by the Cook Political Report. California is a critical state in the mission of flipping the House to blue.
LGBTQ+ Policy Environment
California is among the safest states for members of the LGBTQ+ community looking to find policies that will proactively protect their rights. According to Movement Advancement Policy (MAP), California scores "high" in both gender identity policy and sexual orientation policy. To keep up to date on state policies that have the potential to impact within this state, visit the ACLU site on LGBTQ+ legislation.
Read this piece on Moving to Gay California to get all the details and take a look at this article to find California-based resources.
Colorado
Colorado has two Congressional Districts (CDs 3 & 8) that will be exceptionally close in the 2024 elections according to the Cook Political Report.
LGBTQ+ Policy Environment
Colorado has taken active measures to provide a safe and welcoming haven for members of the LGBTQ+ community. According to Movement Advancement Policy (MAP), Colorado scores "high" in both gender identity policy and sexual orientation policy. To stay current on state laws that have the potential to impact the LGBTQ+ community, visit the ACLU site on upcoming legislation in Colorado.
The Pride Guide is a resource for Coloradans seeking information about events and organizations that support members of the LGBTQ+ community in Colorado.
Northern Colorado Equality also provides resources and support for LGBTQ+ adults and children through activities, programs and education.
Maine
Maine is one of only a few states to utilize ranked choice voting to elect candidates. A Democrat won in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District in 2022 during the second round, and it is expected to be exceptionally close in 2024.
LGBTQ+ Policy Environment
Maine proactively protects the rights of LGBTQ+ adults and youth. According to Movement Advancement Policy (MAP), the state scores "high" on both gender identity and sexual orientation policy. To check the status of any state legislation with the potential to impact the LGBTQ+ community, visit this ACLU policy site.
There are a number of state-wide organizations that support the LGBTQ community in Maine, including Equality Maine, Out Maine and Maine Queer Health which is committed to ensuring that the LGBTQ community in Maine is getting excellent health and mental health care.
Michigan
Michigan offers a triple opportunity for Democratic voters with three very competitive House races (7th, 8th and 10th Congressional Districts), a Senate race AND its critical role in the Presidential election in 2024.
LGBTQ+ Policy Environment
Michigan generally protects the rights of LGBTQ+ adults and youth. According to Movement Advancement Policy (MAP), the state scores "medium" on both gender identity and sexual orientation policy. To check the status of any state legislation with the potential to impact the LGBTQ+ community, visit this ACLU policy site.
There are a number of state-wide organizations that support the LGBTQ community in Michigan, as well as regional resources. Equality Michigan is committed to promoting equal rights and educating the public and is also a hub for resources, services and connections to support LGBTQIA+ Michiganders. Transgender Michigan has resources and provides advocacy, support and education “to unify and empower transgender and gender non-conformist communities.”
Nevada
The 2024 House race in Nevada's 3rd Congressional District is rated as one of the most competitive in the country by 270toWin.
In addition, the Silver State was Republicans’ biggest Senate miss in 2022; they’ll be aiming at it again in 2024. And, while Nevada has voted Democratic in the last several Presidential races, it is far from a given. So, Democratic voters in Nevada will be VERY important in this election and for years to come.
LGBTQ+ Policy Environment
Nevada proactively protects the rights of LGBTQ+ adults and youth. According to Movement Advancement Policy (MAP), the state scores "high" on both gender identity and sexual orientation policy. To check the status of any state legislation with the potential to impact the LGBTQ+ community, visit this ACLU policy site.
There are a number of state-wide organizations that support the LGBTQ community in Nevada, as well as regional resources. The Center, headquartered in Las Vegas, is committed to enabling all to live authentic lives and offers an array of programs, resources, services and connections to support LGBTQIA+ Nevadans. Nevada also runs a 211 information services which includes a directory of LGBTQ+ resources throughout the state.
Want a personal recommendation?
New Jersey
The 2024 House race in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District is rated as a toss-up by the Cook Political Report. The seat is held by a Republican but Biden won the district in 2020.
LGBTQ+ Policy Environment
According to Movement Advancement Policy (MAP), New Jersey is one of 15 states that scores "high" on their combined gender identity and sexual orientation policy scale, indicating that it is a state that, by and large, proactively protects the rights of both youth and adults in the LGBTQ+ community. For more information on the status of state legislation with the potential to impact these rights, visit the ACLU site on legislation in NJ.
The state of New Jersey hosts a Youth Resource Spot, a website created for and by young people, that includes a wide array of resources for young members of the LGBTQ+ community. In addition, Garden State Equality is a state-wide advocacy and education organization that has more than 150,000 members.
New Mexico
If you are looking for natural beauty, a low cost of living and a striking place to live, New Mexico should be on your short list. The area is known for its stunning desert landscapes and mountains, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The 2024 House race in New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District is rated as a toss-up. The 2022 race was decided by slightly more than 0.5%.
LGBTQ+ Policy Environment
New Mexico protects the rights of LGBTQ+ adults and youth. According to Movement Advancement Policy (MAP), the state scores "medium" on both gender identity and sexual orientation policy. To check the status of any state legislation with the potential to impact the LGBTQ+ community, visit this ACLU policy site.
There are a number of state-wide organizations that support the LGBTQ community in New Mexico, as well as regional resources. Equality New Mexico is committed to full representation and offers an array of programs, resources, services and connections to support LGBTQIA+ communities. Other organizations and resources include: the Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico, Pride Guide New Mexico, and The Mountain Center.
New York
There are six New York House races (CDs 3, 4, 17, 18, 19 and 22) in 2024 that are considered to be either toss-ups or “leans” by the Cook Political Report. After dramatically underperforming in 2022, Democrats' performance in the state in 2024 will likely determine whether Democrats can retake control of the House.
LGBTQ+ Policy Environment
New York has an excellent record of protecting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, scoring a "high" on the combined gender identity and sexual orientation policy scale calculated by Movement Advancement Policy (MAP). For up-to-date information on the status of legislation in NY that could impact the LGBTQ+ community, visit the ACLU site that tracks these policies by state.
Want to find out more about Hudson Valley places that are LGBTQ+ friendly, check out Big Gay Hudson Valley. In Long Island, you can find information and support through the LGBT Network.
Oregon
The 2024 House race in Oregon's 5th Congressional District is rated as a toss-up by the Cook Political Report. The seat is held by a Republican but Biden won the district in 2020.
LGBTQ+ Policy Environment
Oregon proactively protects the rights of LGBTQ+ adults and youth, rating a "high" on the combined measures of gender identity and sexual orientation policy scale produced by Movement Advancement Policy (MAP). The current status of legislation in Oregon that could impact this community can be found on the ACLU tracking site.
For young people and families, there are three organizations that could be helpful: PFLAG Salem Chapter, provides support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and allies. They offer monthly meetings, social events, and resources. And, Rainbow Youth is a resource geared specifically towards LGBTQ+ youth (ages 13-23), providing a safe space for socialization, support groups, and online resources in Marion and Polk counties. Oregon LGBTQ Youth and Family Resources is a state-wide organization. Additionally, the Q Center serves the region in and around Portland.
Virginia
There are so many close elections in Virginia, it is difficult to name them all. In addition to the competitive Congressional races in Districts 2 and 7, voters in Virginia will have a major impact on the Presidential race in 2024 and the Governor’s race in 2025. State legislative elections and school board races also tend to be highly contested.
LGBTQ+ Policy Environment
Virginia state is considered one of the states that scores "medium" on their combined gender identity and sexual orientation policy scale according to Movement Advancement Policy (MAP), indicating that it has relatively good policies and practices to protect members of the LGBTQ+ community and their families. Current information on any state legislation with the potential to impact this community can be found at the ACLU policy tracking site.
There are several statewide resources that can be helpful for additional information and services, including: Equality Virginia, the Transgender Assistance Program of Virginia (TAP), as well as the resources at Virginia’s LGBTQ Advisory Board.
Washington
The 2024 House race in Washington's 3rd Congressional District is rated as a toss-up by the Cook Political Report. In 2022, this race was decided by just 0.8%.
LGBTQ+ Policy Environment
Washington state is considered one of the 15 states that scores "high" on their combined gender identity and sexual orientation policy scale according to Movement Advancement Policy (MAP), indicating that it is one of the safest states for members of the LGBTQ+ community and their families. Current information on any state legislation with the potential to impact this community can be found at the ACLU policy tracking site. This Seattle Times article on the protections in place for transgender people may also be helpful.
Numerous chapters of PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) operate across Washington state, offering support groups, educational programs, and advocacy efforts for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. The Washington State LGBTQ Commission also manages a site with resources and services across the state.
Interested but unsure where to start?
Rest assured that there is almost certainly a wonderful place for you to be a gamechanger at the ballot box and we are happy to do individualized research to help you find it!