Today, the International Olympic Committee selected Los Angeles, one of the most LGBTQ-inclusive cities in the nation, as the host city for the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics.

Post submitted by Brian McBride, former HRC Digital Strategist

Today, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) selected Los Angeles, one of the most LGBTQ-inclusive cities in the nation, as the host city for the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics.

Los Angeles has earned a score of 100 on every edition of HRC’s Municipal Equality Index, which assesses cities on their pro-equality laws, policies and services.

The city’s selection affirms the importance of LGBTQ-inclusion during these coveted games. Just last year, the world saw a record number of out athletes participate in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, with more than 40 identifying as either lesbian, gay or bisexual.

Los Angeles continues to be a powerhouse for the LGBTQ movement. In June, the city hosted the LA Pride #ResistMarch event that attracted hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ people, HRC supporters and allies from all parts of the country.

.@HRC & thousands of members & supporters came together at the #EqualityMarch in D.C. & #ResistMarch in L.A. to #UniteResistEnlist! pic.twitter.com/H8XuLemFzw
— HumanRightsCampaign (@HRC) June 17, 2017

Los Angeles is also the largest city in the country with an advisory council established to exclusively address transgender issues, and comprised of transgender community leaders. The city’s Economic and Workforce Development Department also worked with the LGBT Center to provide resources for trans youth, case managers and employers in an effort to hire trans youth, and make their workplaces more trans-inclusive. Additionally, the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission this month plans to hold a series of public hearings to discuss policing and marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ community.

While Los Angeles continues to make significant strides towards full equality, many athletes still face discrimination in their respective sports. HRC highlighted that no openly transgender athletes competed during the 2016 Rio Games. While the IOC’s decision to select Los Angeles is a positive step, HRC will continue working to ensure all LGBTQ athletes are able to compete proudly and openly.