New Study Measures the State of LGBT Equality in America

Last year saw marriage equality sweep across the United States, a massive legal victory for the LGBT community and one reflected the huge strides the we've made in recent decades, especially in the court of public opinion. However, as the above graphic shows, the rights of LGBT people still vary drastically from state to state.

Out and Equal, an organization dedicated to measuring and extending equality within the workplace and business world, used date compiled from across the country to create a map that skews the representation of states in accordance with their approach to LGBT people. The markers used were family status, non-discrimination policies, safety, health, and the ability to appropriately self-identify on ID cards and documentation. The two worst states in the union, it was found, are Tennessee and Alabama.

The release of the graphic is timely, as the World Economic Forum is currently being held in Davos, Switzerland. Selisse Berry, founder and CEO of Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, released the following statement in response to Vice President Joe Biden's heated defense of LGBT rights earlier this week:

"Out & Equal supports Vice President Joe Biden's call to action during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland yesterday, urging international business leaders to commit to and firmly establish LGBT workplace equality. For the past 20 years Out & Equal has recognized and harnessed the power of Fortune 1000 leaders in achieving global LGBT workplace equality. We are proud that our work with The White House and federal government agencies has helped move the national and now global conversation surrounding LGBT workplace equality forward. We are delighted to see Vice President Biden share this important message.

The C-suite can transform workplace policy and subsequently ignite cultural change for LGBT employees in workplaces around the world. We call on all business leaders to use their influence and resources to ensure that all LGBT employees are valued as their true and authentic selves and receive equal career advancement opportunities. We trust that such support will spark greater social change for the global LGBT community."