Is St. Paul Gay Friendly?

St. Paul has a long and proud history of LGBTQ+ inclusion, with comprehensive legal protections and a welcoming community culture.

St. Paul Protections

St. Paul scores 100/100 on the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index (2024). The city passed its LGBTQ+ non-discrimination ordinance in 1990 covering employment, housing, and public accommodations. When a repeal effort was mounted in 1991, St. Paul voters decisively defeated it, reaffirming the city's commitment to equality.

State Protections

Minnesota was the first U.S. state to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in 1993, covering employment, housing, and public accommodations. Same-sex marriage has been legal statewide since 2013. Governor Tim Walz signed a statewide conversion therapy ban, protecting LGBTQ+ youth from harmful practices.

Twin Cities Together

Neighboring Minneapolis also scores 100/100 on the HRC index and passed its own non-discrimination ordinance in 1974 — making it just the third U.S. city to do so. Together, the Twin Cities form one of the most progressive LGBTQ+ metros in the country.

Community & Culture

OutFront Minnesota, the state's largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, serves the entire metro area from the Twin Cities. The combined Pride celebrations draw over 475,000 people, and LGBTQ+-owned businesses and community spaces are woven throughout both cities. St. Paul hosts its own dedicated Pride festival each June, distinct from the larger Twin Cities Pride at Loring Park.