There are more LGBT people in Salt Lake City than anywhere else in Utah. The Williams Institute at UCLA says that 5.8% of adults in Salt Lake City identify as LGBT, compared to 2.8% of people in the state as a whole. Salt Lake City is now one of the best places in the country for LGBT people to live.
| 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 |
A growing number of LGBTQ+ people
The 2020 U.S. Census shows that 2.8% of households in Salt Lake County identify as being with a same-sex couple, which is the highest number of any county in Utah. This means that there are about 15,000 households with a same-sex partner in the county. A 2018 Gallup poll also found that 4.7% of people in Salt Lake City identify as LGBTQ+. This makes the city one of the ten most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the country.
Things that make Salt Lake City a welcoming place for LGBTQ+ people
There are many reasons why Salt Lake place’s LGBTQ+ population is growing and why it is known as an accepting place. Some of these are:
- A History of LGBTQ+ action: LGBTQ+ action in Salt Lake City goes back to the 1970s and has been going strong ever since. In 1973, the city held its first gay pride parade. Since its founding in 1981, the Utah Pride Center has been a major force in promoting LGBTQ+ rights and offering support services to the community.
- Supportive Policies: Salt Lake City has passed a number of laws that support LGBTQ+ freedom. For example, there is an ordinance against discrimination that protects LGBTQ+ people in jobs, housing, and public places. People who live with city workers who are the same gender can also get benefits from the city.
- A Friendly Environment: Salt Lake City has many businesses, groups, and events that are welcoming to LGBTQ+ people. Every year, the city hosts the Utah Pride Festival, which has thousands of people. There are also a lot of faith congregations and social groups in the city that welcome LGBTQ+ people.
Problems to solve and continued progress
Even though there has been progress, the LGBTQ+ group in Salt Lake City still has problems. The ongoing discussion over LGBTQ+ rights and religious freedom is one of the most important issues. With a lot of power in Utah, the LDS Church has always been against same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ leadership. The LDS Church has made some changes to be more accepting of LGBTQ+ people, but there are still problems between the LGBTQ+ group and the church.
Although these problems exist, Salt Lake City is still changing to become a better place for LGBTQ+ people. The city’s laws that support LGBTQ+ people, its growing LGBTQ+ population, and its lively LGBTQ+ scene all show that it cares about equality and diversity. Moving forward, it is important for Salt Lake City to keep creating a welcoming space where everyone feels valued and accepted.
In conclusion
The progress Salt Lake City has made in welcoming LGBTQ+ people shows how powerful action, policy change, and a shared desire to make society more fair and just can be. Even though there are still problems, the city’s success can be used as an example by other places that want to welcome differences and make everyone feel like they belong.
This Utah City Has The Highest LGBT population In The State.