A new report from The Fenway Institute and the Equality Fund at the Boston Foundation paints a complex picture of LGBTQ life in Massachusetts, often seen as the most progressive and bluest state in the nation. Despite the state’s reputation, the report finds persistent disparities between queer residents and their straight, cisgender peers in health, housing, and economic stability.
Entitled LGBTQ+ People in Massachusetts: Strengths, Challenges and Opportunities in a Diverse Community, the report shows that 9.1 percent of adults now identify as queer, a significant increase since 2016. But while the community is growing and geographically widespread, too many still face barriers to quality health care, financial security, and safe, welcoming spaces—especially those living outside Greater Boston, and people who are Black, Indigenous, or people of color.
The report notes that LGBTQ adults are 1.6 times more likely to report poor health and 3.8 times more likely to have seriously considered suicide. Food insecurity also hits the community hard—56% of queer households in the state report struggling to access food. Still, the report offers a roadmap to change, calling for better mental health services, more inclusive housing, and safe school environments. As Sean Cahill of Fenway Institute put it, “We must maintain Massachusetts as a beacon of hope.” And that means action—because even in the bluest of states, queer equality isn’t guaranteed.
