The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) named Virginia community, a historic mining town in Nevada, the most LGBTQ-friendly community in the state. With a flawless score of 100 on the HRC’s Municipal Equality Index (MEI), the city is the only one in Nevada and one of just 94 statewide to receive this distinction. The MEI assesses how inclusive local laws, policies, and services are for LGBTQ people who reside in and work in a given area.
The Road Map for Virginia City’s Recognition
Virginia City’s dedication to creating a welcoming atmosphere for LGBTQ citizens and guests is demonstrated by its flawless MEI score. The following are some of the policies and practices that the city has put in place to protect the rights and welfare of the LGBTQ community:
- Adoption of a nondiscrimination ordinance pertaining to gender identity and sexual orientation in public places, employment, and housing.
- the city employee handbook’s inclusion of clauses prohibiting harassment and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
- creation of a diversity and inclusion commission to advise the city council on matters pertaining to the LGBTQ community.
- The police department’s proactive involvement in communicating with the LGBTQ community and providing the FBI with statistics on hate crimes.
- LGBTQ resources and information are available on the city’s website.
Consequences for the Gay Community
The LGBTQ community finds great significance in Virginia City’s designation as Nevada’s most LGBTQ-friendly city, particularly in light of the state’s long history of discrimination and violence. The city’s commitment to fostering a welcoming and secure environment is consistent with its core principles of respect, diversity, and inclusion.
Additionally, Virginia City’s LGBTQ community is vibrant, supporting groups that honor LGBTQ history and culture and holding a variety of events. These groups include:
An annual procession, live music, vendors, and speakers are all part of the Virginia City Pride Festival.
The Comstock LGBTQ History Project records and preserves the narratives of LGBTQ people who lived through the mining boom of the 19th century.
The Rainbow Comstock Coalition supports and educates LGBTQ people and youth while fighting for their rights.
Motivating Other Cities
The accomplishment of LGBTQ equality and inclusion by Virginia City can act as a template and source of inspiration for other Nevadan cities as well as other cities worldwide. It shows that even in conservative and rural locations, it is possible to build a progressive and welcoming community. In addition to helping LGBTQ people, this is good for the city’s reputation, tourism, and economy.
The city’s example demonstrates how LGBTQ equality and inclusion are fundamental to a city’s history and culture, going beyond legal and regulatory issues. Recognizing the hardships and accomplishments of LGBTQ people who have shaped the city’s past and present, Virginia City acknowledges and celebrates its LGBTQ heritage.
All things considered, Virginia City is a model city—it is both traditional and progressive, proud of its heritage and inclusive of diversity, and modern and historic at the same time. Without a doubt, Virginia City is the most LGBTQ-friendly city in Nevada and among the most LGBTQ-friendly communities nationwide.
