Salt Lake City has more LGBT people than any other city in Utah. According to the Williams Institute at UCLA, about 5.8% of adults in Salt Lake City identify as LGBT. That’s much higher than Utah’s state average of 2.8%. Because of this, Salt Lake City is now considered one of the best cities in the U.S. for LGBT people.
| City | State | LGBT Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City | Utah | 5.8% |
| Provo | Utah | 3.2% |
| West Valley City | Utah | 2.9% |
| Ogden | Utah | 2.7% |
| Layton | Utah | 2.5% |
More LGBTQ+ People Are Calling Salt Lake City Home
The 2020 U.S. Census found that 2.8% of households in Salt Lake County are same-sex couples. That’s the highest percentage in any county in Utah. This adds up to around 15,000 same-sex households in Salt Lake County alone. A 2018 Gallup poll also found that 4.7% of Salt Lake City residents identify as LGBTQ+. This makes Salt Lake City one of the top ten LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the country.
Why Salt Lake City Feels Welcoming To LGBTQ+ People
There are many reasons why Salt Lake City’s LGBTQ+ community is growing and why the city is known as a welcoming place. Some of the biggest reasons include:
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Strong LGBTQ+ History: LGBTQ+ activism in Salt Lake City has been happening for decades, starting in the 1970s. The city’s first gay pride parade was held in 1973. The Utah Pride Center, which opened in 1981, has also been a key player in fighting for LGBTQ+ rights and offering support to the community.
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LGBTQ+ Friendly Laws: Salt Lake City has laws that protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination at work, in housing, and in public spaces. The city also offers benefits to same-sex partners of city employees, which helps make it clear that LGBTQ+ residents are welcome and supported.
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A Community That Feels Safe: Salt Lake City has many LGBTQ+-friendly businesses, organizations, and events. One of the biggest is the Utah Pride Festival, which brings thousands of people together every year. There are also many religious groups, social clubs, and community spaces that welcome LGBTQ+ residents, helping to build a sense of belonging.
Challenges Still Exist But Progress Continues
Even with all this progress, Salt Lake City’s LGBTQ+ community still faces challenges. One ongoing issue is the tension between LGBTQ+ rights and religious freedom. In Utah, the LDS Church plays a big role in public life and has a long history of opposing same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ leadership. While the church has taken some steps to soften its stance, there is still a lot of tension between the LGBTQ+ community and church leadership.
Even with these challenges, Salt Lake City keeps moving forward to become a more inclusive and welcoming place. The city’s protective laws, growing LGBTQ+ population, and active LGBTQ+ community all show a strong commitment to equality. Moving forward, it’s important for Salt Lake City to keep building an environment where everyone feels safe, accepted, and respected.
Final Thoughts
Salt Lake City’s progress in welcoming LGBTQ+ people shows what can happen when people take action, push for better laws, and work toward a fairer society. There are still challenges ahead, but the city’s example can inspire other places to accept differences and create communities where everyone feels they belong.
This Utah City Has The Highest LGBT population In The State.
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