The City of Gaithersburg earned a score of 100 points in the 2025 Municipal Equality Index, an initiative of the Human Rights Campaign that examines the inclusivity of laws, policies, and services with respect to the LGBTQ+ community. The City’s score in 2024 was also 100.

The Index used 49 different criteria to rate 506 cities across the country. The average score nationally was 70 with a record-breaking 132 cities achieving perfect 100-point scores. More than 25% of MEI-rated cities achieved the highest score possible, and 50% scored more than 76.

Cities are rated based on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement, and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality. Read the City’s scorecard here. The City has also provided Transgender-Inclusive Healthcare benefits for more than 10 years and continues to work with the HRC on providing its required documentation.   

“We’ve always strived to be a welcoming community, and I believe this rating shows our ongoing dedication to building an inclusive city,” said Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman. “No matter your background, who you love, or how you identify, we want everyone to feel that Gaithersburg is a wonderful place to work, visit, and call home.”

The full Municipality Equality Index can be found at www.hrc.org/resources/municipal-equality-index.

For more information on City of Gaithersburg initiatives, contact Racial Equity Diversity & Inclusion Program Manager Hazel Monae at hazel.monae@gaithersburgmd.gov.