The City of Irvine earned a perfect score of 100 — and nine bonus points — on the 2022 Municipal Equality Index (MEI), a Human Rights Campaign (HRC) rating system based on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement, and the City leadership's public position on equality.

The 2022 MEI examined 506 cities on how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are for LGBTQ+ people who live and work there. Cities are rated based on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement, and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.

“I am proud to see our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts continue to grow and thrive in our City,” said Mayor Farrah N. Khan. “This year, we not only received a perfect score of 100 but also scored nine bonus points for our non-discrimination laws, municipal services for the LGBTQ+ and those living with HIV or AIDS communities, and for benefits provided as a municipal employer.”

Irvine received nine bonus points in the following MEI categories, including:

- Non-Discrimination Laws: 30 out of 30 points, plus four bonus points (two for single-occupancy all-gender facilities; two for youth protection from conversion therapy).

- Municipality as an Employer: 28 out of 28 points, plus one bonus point for City employee Domestic partner benefits.

- Municipal Services: 12 out of 12 points, plus four bonus points (two for City services to LGBTQ+ youth; two for City services to people living with HIV or AIDS.

The full 2022 MEI report is available at hrc.org/mei.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Americans. The 2022 MEI boasted the largest number of top-scoring cities in its history, the highest overall average, and growth in every region of the country. 

For more information about the City of Irvine’s programs and initiatives to promote unity, inclusivity, and diversity, please visit weareirvine.org.

Since its incorporation in 1971, Irvine has become a nationally recognized city, with a population of 310,250 that spans 66 square miles and is recognized as one of America’s safest and most successful master-planned urban communities. Top-rated educational institutions, an enterprising business atmosphere, sound environmental stewardship, and respect for diversity all contribute to Irvine’s enviable quality of life. This family-friendly city features more than 16,000 acres of parks, sports fields, and dedicated open space and is the home of Great Park. For more information, please visit cityofirvine.org.