According to recent analysis by the Movement Advancement Project (MAP), Arkansas presents some unique challenges for LGBTQ+ business owners and professionals. The statistics tell an important story about our community – with approximately 95,000 LGBTQ+ people calling Arkansas home, including 50,000 LGBTQ+ workers who contribute to our state’s economy every day.
Here are some key points that affect our business community:
- While federal protections exist through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Arkansas currently has negative overall policy rankings
- No state-level protections for employment, housing, or public accommodations
- State law bans cities and counties from passing local nondiscrimination protections
- 36% of LGBTQ+ adults in Arkansas are raising children, highlighting the importance of family-inclusive workplace policies
For those looking to start or grow their businesses, it’s crucial to understand both the challenges and support systems available. The Chamber is committed to helping you navigate this landscape and connect with resources that can help your business thrive.
This information has been sourced from the Movement Advancement Project’s Arkansas State Profile. Read the entire report here: https://www.lgbtmap.org/equality_maps/profile_state/AR