~ For the third year in a row, the City of Kansas City has been recognized for its equitable efforts for the LGBTQ+ community. The Human Rights Campaign announced that the City of Kansas City received a perfect score of 100 on their Municipal Equality Index (MEI). The MEI is the only nationwide assessment of LGBTQ+ equality regarding municipal policies, laws, and services.

Mayor Quinton Lucas expressed his pride in the city's achievement. "As we continue to see issues facing our community, particularly discrimination and LGBTQ+ rights under assault, Kansas City government is working each day to ensure everyone feels safe and welcomed. As a result, our community is an example for other cities around the country," he said.

The MEI looks at basic equality rights in major municipalities, along with flex scoring for outstanding positive services such as single-occupancy all-gender facilities, protection from conversion therapy, city employee domestic partner benefits, and municipal services with a focus on LGBTQ+ care for youth, older adults, people experiencing homelessness, people living with HIV or AIDS, and the transgender community.

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Councilwoman Andrea Bough also shared her enthusiasm about this news. "Kansas City remains committed to working with our community partners to create a place of belonging for all people and to ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion is in the forefront of our policy decisions," she said.

LGBTQ Commissioner Justice Horn thanked those who have worked hard to make this possible. "Today's historic news comes because of our collective work towards a community that welcomes and embraces all—this is Kansas City," they said.

City Manager Brian Platt also expressed his pride in this accomplishment: "We are so proud to be building a city that is inclusive and supportive of everyone. This rating is a reflection of our hard work and we are excited about continuing to push forward."

The City has taken several initiatives outside of MEI recognition to create an inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community within City Hall and into the community such as passing a resolution declaring Kansas City as a Safe Haven for gender-affirming healthcare; hosting Kansas City's first Trans Day of Visibility event; designing an intersection art display in celebration of Pride Month; installing four Pride Progress rainbow themed crosswalks; flying the Progress Pride Flag atop City Hall; developing an all-gender restroom policy; establishing KC Proud -the first LGBTQ+ employee resource group; banning conversion therapy; and adopting an anti-discrimination ordinance in 1993.

The perfect score on MEI reflects Kansas City's commitment towards creating an equitable space for its citizens regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

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