Hawaiʻi ranks in top 5 for ‘safe zones’

HONOLULU (KHON2) — A recent study has highlighted that despite years of progress, many 2SLGBTQ+ Americans still struggle to feel safe in their own homes.

In 2023, 75 of the 500 anti-2SLGBTQ+ bills introduced across the country became law and hate crimes against 2SLGBTQ+ individuals reached a five-year high in 2022.

To understand how safe each state is for 2SLGBTQ+ people, SafeHome.org created a ranking system. This study, now in its third year, uses both legislative analysis and hate crime data from the FBI to grade all 50 states and Washington D.C.

Hawaiʻi has earned a place among the top five safest states for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, coming in fifth with a safety grade of A. Our state has strong legal protections and low rates of reported hate crimes, making it a safer place for 2SLGBTQ+ residents.

As someone living in Hawaiʻi, it’s heartening to know that our home is recognized for its efforts in promoting equality and safety. Hawaiʻi has a long history of being relatively 2SLGBTQ+ friendly.

In 1973, Hawaiʻi became the sixth state to legalize same-sex sexual activity, and in 1993, it was the first state to consider legalizing same-sex marriage.

Hawaiʻi’s legal protections for 2SLGBTQ+ people are comprehensive. These include the presumption of a parental relationship for both parents in same-sex marriages and inclusive juvenile justice policies.

Hawaiʻi also allows for name and gender marker updates on driver’s licenses and birth certificates, which is crucial for transgender individuals.

Furthermore, our state has eliminated the “bias rage or panic defense,” which is sometimes used to justify violent acts against 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.

The study by SafeHome.org also noted that nearly 50% of states passed new anti-2SLGBTQ+ legislation in 2023. This makes the need for safe spaces and inclusive laws even more pressing.

Hawaiʻi’s ranking as one of the safest states for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals is a testament to our ongoing efforts to uphold these values.

In conclusion, while there is still much work to be done to ensure safety and equality for all, it’s reassuring to know that Hawaiʻi is leading the way.

You can click here to read the full report.

Our state’s strong legal protections and low hate crime rates provide a safer environment for 2SLGBTQ+ residents, showing that aloha and inclusivity are at the heart of our community.