Virginia Beach has one of the most LGBTQ-friendly governments in the country, according to a new report released by the nation’s largest advocacy group.

The Municipal Equality Index (MEI) was developed by the Human Rights Campaign to determine a local government’s ability to meet the needs of the traditionally marginalized community, and to encourage governments around the country to improve their own services.

In this tenth annual study, over 500 cities were compared using 49 different metrics grouped into five categories: Non-Discrimination Laws, Municipality as an Employer, Municipal Services, Law Enforcement, and Leadership on LGBTQ+ Equality.

Just as in 2020, Virginia Beach scored a perfect 100 on the MEI, with maximum points in all five categories, and even getting bonus points in four of the categories. 

But Virginia Beach isn’t alone in receiving high praise in the commonwealth this year. Around the state a total of five cities have received a perfect MEI score, with Richmond, Alexandria, Arlington Country, and Fairfax County joining The Beach at the top of the list.

The state itself has stepped up in recent years as well. In April  the LGBTQ+ Advisory Board was established as part of the executive branch of the state government, and last year the state passed into law the Virginia Values Act. Among other things, it prohibits discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation at work and in housing, as well as when applying for credit and acquiring accommodations.

As for the other Hampton Roads cities included in the MEI study this year, Norfolk with a score of 91, Hampton with a score of 81, Chesapeake with a scrore 80, and Newport News with a  score of 70.