A recent report by a national organization says Michigan is the 16th-most LGBTQ-friendly state based on political and legal protections and other indicators, making it among the most improved this year.
“Michigan’s #16 ranking reflects sustained gains under Governor (Gretchen) Whitmer, including the 2025 Hate Crime Act expansion,” the report from Out Leadership says.
Michigan offers strong legal protections, youth and family support, health access and safety, welcoming political and religious attitudes and work environment and employment, according to Out Leadership’s 2026 State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index.
The gap between the most and least LGBTQ-friendly states in the U.S. is widening as conservative states pass anti-LGBTQ legislation, while more welcoming states enact new or keep in place current legislation preserving LGBTQ rights. The report found eight states improved their standing while 19 have declined since 2024.
Arizona improved to No. 24 this year, up 5.92 points in the “legacy” scoring, making it the most improved state. Meanwhile Maryland (No. 7), Kentucky (No. 35), Michigan (No. 16) North Dakota (No. 28) rounded out the five most improved states. Michigan improved 3.4 points.
Idaho had the worse decline, dropping 9.5 points while ranking 48th.
Massachusetts was first overall while Arkansas had the worst overall climate, the report said.
The Out Leadership report notes that nondiscrimination policies allow LGBTQ people to participate more fully in the economy, and that when they don’t feel welcome, they are less likely to stay. It costs nearly $10,000 to replace an employee in Michigan, the report contends, and up to $440,000 for a senior executive.
“Michigan and the businesses operating there have strong incentives to create inclusive workplaces in the interest of keeping these costs down,” the report notes.
The report also notes Michigan shows some signs of instability.
“Michigan presents a broadly favorable but evolving corporate-policy alignment picture,” the report says. “…The Republican-led House’s repeated passage of anti-transgender bills targeting bathrooms, sports, and gender-affirming care — while blocked by the Democratic Senate and governor — signals potential policy instability that could emerge with shifts in political control after the 2026 elections.”
Here’s what to know about Michigan’s status and some of Michigan most LGBTQ-friendly cities.
How does Michigan rank for LGBTQ friendliness?
Michigan is No. 16 among U.S. states for its LGBTQ friendliness, with an overall score of 82.2 out of 100 in Out Leadership’s 2026 expanded State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index (81.47 in the legacy ranking). The report includes scores for both “legacy” rankings and new, “expanded” rankings.
Here’s how the expanded score breaks down by category:
Factors that went into Michigan’s ranking
Among the keys that led to Michigan’s ranking:
Most LGBTQ-friendly states
The least LGBTQ-friendly states
Saugatuck has long attracted LGBTQ visitors
Saugatuck is known to be a prime tourist spot for gay and lesbian couples and families, offering a safe space to vacation since the 1950s.
The area features an array of LGBTQ+ owned businesses, from art galleries to a mini golf course and a tour company visiting local wineries and breweries. The Dunes Resort is one of the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ resorts, offering comfortable accommodations, a club with dancing and music, pool, bar, lounge and more a short drive from Lake Michigan.
Embrace metro Detroit shopping, dining in Ferndale
A southeast Michigan LGBTQ hub, Ferndale is an inner-ring Detroit suburb popular for its downtown shopping and dining district and family-friendly, walkable neighborhoods.
The city hosts an annual Pride festival, LGBTQ organizations like Affirmations and LGBTQ-owned businesses. A stroll down Woodward Avenue or 9 Mile Road will reveal many stores proudly flying Pride flags in their windows.
Traverse City is Michigan’s cherry capital
Nestled in the northwestern Lower Peninsula, the city sits along the Grand Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan, one of the region’s Great Lakes, featuring sandy beaches, local and state parks, a nearby national lakeshore and historic lighthouses, in an LGBTQ-friendly tourist area.
Houghton offers Keweenaw Peninsula college town
Nestled in the heart of the Upper Peninsula’s Keweenaw Peninsula, Houghton is home to Michigan Technological University, providing an LGBTQ-friendly environment surrounded by a conservative, rural area.
About 12 miles north, Calumet will host LGBTQIA+ Keweenaw Pridefest at the Calumet Colosseum from 1-5 p.m. on June 6.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan gets high marks for LGBTQ-friendliness. These states rank higher
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, USA TODAY NETWORK / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
