LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Lexington was recognized on Tuesday as a community that leads in equality.

The Human Rights Campaign ranked Lexington in the top 2% of municipalities nationwide in terms of LGBTQ+ equality.

The Human Rights Campaign annually reviews the policies, laws, and services of 506 municipalities across the nation, and the organization said Lexington ranked 10th.

Mayor Linda Gorton said the rating is a testament to the city’s work and that she is proud that Lexington is recognized as an equality leader in Kentucky.

“I am so proud that Lexington continues to be recognized as an equality leader in Kentucky, as well as rising to the top in the nation,” Gorton said. “Over the past five years, we have focused on diversity and inclusion in City policies and ordinances. This is a testament to our work.”

Fayette County was the first county in the state to pass a fairness ordinance in 1999. Lexington went on to pass domestic partner benefits for government employees, strengthen discrimination protection language, start utilizing all-gender signage for city-owned, single-occupancy facilities, celebrate with the annual Lexington Pride Festival, support local LGBTQ youth support organizations, pass a ban on youth conversion therapy, and launch the LexProud campaign.

“Cities and towns around the country are stepping up each and every day, finding new and innovative ways to empower LGBTQ+ people in the face of a dire national state of emergency. Even when anti-LGBTQ+ extremists in state capitals are working to undermine their progress, mayors and city councilmembers keep fighting to make sure that LGBTQ+ people in their communities – especially trans people – are supported and lifted up to the fullest extent possible. This year’s Municipal Equality Index shows the results of their dedication, while acknowledging the increasingly hostile environment in which they must govern,” said Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign.

To view other cities visit the Human Rights Campaign website.