The City of Irvine has once again demonstrated its strong commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion, earning a perfect score of 100 — and 15 bonus points — on the 2025 Municipal Equality Index (MEI) released today.
This marks the fourth consecutive year Irvine has received a perfect score on the prestigious Human Rights Campaign (HRC) rating, a key benchmark assessing how extensively cities have embraced LGBTQ+ inclusivity within their laws, policies, and services.
The 2025 MEI examined 506 cities based on non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement, and the City leadership's public position on LGBTQ+ equality.
“This Municipal Equality Index score reflects our values as a City and our ongoing work to ensure every resident feels seen and supported,” said Mayor Larry Agran. “As we look ahead, we remain committed to championing policies and programs that expand equality, foster trust, and serve our LGBTQ+ community.”
Irvine received 15 bonus points for the second consecutive year 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 10 bonus points (six for City services to the LGBTQ+ community; two for City services to people living with HIV or AIDS; and two for City services to the transgender community).
The City of Irvine has long been dedicated to fostering a welcome and inclusive community. In January 2021, the Irvine City Council passed a resolution reaffirming its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee facilitates a more inclusive environment that values diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Through its Office of Health & Wellness, the City is dedicated to ensuring Irvine’s diverse population has access to vital resources and services. Additionally, the City celebrates its vibrant LGBTQ+ community through events that encourage inclusivity and belonging, such as the annual Pride in Irvine event, which brings the community together to raise the Progress Flag at the Irvine Civic Center and connect residents with local resources.
For more information about the City of Irvine’s programs and initiatives to promote unity, inclusivity, and diversity, please visit weareirvine.org.
The full 2025 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. This year, a record-breaking 132 cities, or more than 25 percent of all MEI-rated cities, earned the highest score of 100.