Press & Media
Resources for journalists, editors, and researchers covering LGBTQ+ business rights, state policy, and corporate equality. For interview requests, contact us below.
Media inquiries
For interview requests, data questions, or fact-checking, reach the Out Leadership communications team.
Download & reference
Coverage of the State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index
The Index has been cited in national and regional business press since 2019. A selection of coverage from prior editions is listed below.
The Least — and Most — Welcoming US States for Gay and Transgender Americans
USA Today's national coverage of Out Leadership's 2025 Index, highlighting the widening state-by-state gap in LGBTQ+ protections and the economic implications for residents and businesses.
Read the article →Least Safe US States for LGBTQ+ People Revealed
Out Leadership's 2025 Index draws national coverage for documenting widening state-by-state polarization, with over 700 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in 2025 alone.
Read the article →New York Tops Fourth Annual State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index from Out Leadership
CBS News coverage of the 2022 Index, noting that 26% of LGBTQ+ people had left an anti-equality state in the prior two years, and 36% were considering leaving.
Read the article →Prior edition full reports are available on the Archive page.
Eight years of data. One mission.
The State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index has been published annually by Out Leadership since 2019. It scores all 50 US states on 32 indicators across 5 categories — legal protections, youth and family policy, political and religious climate, health and safety, and work and economic conditions — with pro bono legal review by Ropes & Gray and Risk Assessment methodology by America Competes.