Out Leadership, a global LGBTQ+ business advisory organisation, has released its annual State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index—a report which measures each US state’s laws, policies, and political environments that affect LGBTQ+ people and, by extension, their employers. 2026’s Index was released today (1 June), giving Massachusetts its highest ranking on the list for the Index’s fourth consecutive year. Quantifying LGBTQ+ quality-of-life under categories including legal protections, youth and family support, political and religious attitudes, health access and safety, as well as work environment and employment—Massachusetts scored an impressive 93.23 out of 100 points, while Arkansas scored a measly 28.1 out of 100 points. Some of the talking points presented alongside the State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index’s data for Massachusetts point out that the state’s comprehensive nondiscrimination law protecting the LGBTQ+ community might have grown the state’s economy by up to $16.2 billion. The Index also points out the state’s strong shield laws and insurance mandates for gender-affirming care, attracting and providing a safer environment for LGBTQ+ top talent. Some of the talking points presented alongside the State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index’s data for Arkansas point out that much of the income revenue of the state’s 5.3% LGBTQ+ population is being ignored by the larger market, and the state’s increased hostility via policy towards the LGBTQ+ community will impact employers’ ability to attract and retain top talent in the state. #USPolitics #LGBTQIA #transgender #Massachusetts #Arkansas #statistics - @pinknews