For Immediate Release: Thursday, November 21, 2023 

Kansas City continues to set the standard for LGBTQ+ inclusivity and equity, earning a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) 2024 Municipal Equality Index (MEI) for the fourth year in a row. The MEI is the only nationwide assessment of LGBTQ+ equality in municipal policies, laws, and services, making this recognition a significant milestone for the City’s commitment to fostering an inclusive community. 

“I am proud Kansas City received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index for the fourth year in a row. While LGBTQ folks continue to face discrimination and threats to their rights across the country, Kansas City's commitment to our LGBTQ community is unshakeable," said Mayor Quinton Lucas. "We are committed to protecting LGBTQ rights and strengthening the protections we already have in place to make our community more inclusive. As a shining example for other cities across the country, we will continue to ensure everyone feels safe, valued, and welcome in our community, no matter what happens on the state or federal level.”

Kansas City’s perfect score highlights its leadership in areas such as non-discrimination laws, equality for municipal employees, LGBTQ+ representation in law enforcement, and municipal services tailored for LGBTQ+ residents, including youth, older adults, individuals experiencing homelessness, people living with HIV/AIDS, and the transgender community. 

“For the fourth year in a row, Kansas City has received a perfect score from the Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equity Index. This is a tremendous honor and testament to the commitment of City staff and current and former elected officials who have held diversity, equity, and inclusion at the forefront of our policy decisions. While we celebrate this achievement, we recognize that the work continues to ensure that all Kansas Citians, and those who visit our wonderful city, feel safe and welcome today, tomorrow, and in the years to come,” said Councilwoman Andrea Bough, 6th District-at-large. 

"This recognition reflects the unwavering commitment of Kansas City to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and included. Our perfect score is not just a milestone but a call to continue building a city that champions equity and celebrates diversity. Together, we are setting a standard for what an inclusive community can achieve,” said City Manager Brian Platt. 

Highlights of Kansas City’s Efforts 

Kansas City has made significant strides in advancing equality and inclusion within City Hall and the broader community. Notable initiatives include: 

• The Transgender Needs Assessment is underway to comprehensively assess the Kansas City trans community's future support and funding needs. 

• In 2023, the City added gender-affirming treatments and procedures to the City’s employee Healthcare plan. 

• In May 2023, the City Council declared Kansas City a Safe Haven for gender-affirming healthcare. 

• Single occupancy and gender-neutral bathroom policy for all public facilities. 

• Perfect MEI scores in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. 

• Establishing the LGBTQ Commission in 2020 to guide policy and initiatives. 

• Flying the Progress Pride Flag atop City Hall for the first time in 2021. 

• Banning conversion therapy in 2019. 

• Creating KC Proud, the City’s first LGBTQ+ employee resource group, in 2018. 

• First openly LGBTQ department Director. 

• In 2023, the City hosted its first Transgender Day of Visibility event, hosting Admiral Rachel Levine, the highest-ranking Transgender person in the Federal Government, as the Assistant Secretary for Health.