Four Michigan cities received the top score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) 10th annual Municipal Equality Index.
Ann Arbor, Detroit, East Lansing and Ferndale earned perfect scores based on factors such as non-discrimination laws, municipal services, employer protections, law enforcement and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.
"I'm excited that Ferndale continues its 100 percent score, [and] I'm proud the city of Ferndale continues to lead with its value of inclusiveness and equality," said Ferndale Mayor Melanie Piana. "We compassionately and fervently believe 'You Belong Here' and that everyone needs to feel accepted and safe in the community they call home."
Other cities in Michigan that made the list include Grand Rapids (92%), Kalamazoo (80%), Lansing (87%), Pleasant Ridge (55%), Sterling Heights (61%), Traverse City (84%) and Warren (16%).
Though Warren rated a dismal 16% score, resident Cindy Sanders says she feels comfortable and safe in the city.
"I haven't had any problems," she said. "I'm a 57-year-old transgender, post-op woman. I've lived here for nine years. I work part-time at the Warren Home Depot as a cashier where they do not allow gay or transgender discrimination at all."
Still, Warren has been lagging on the list for years. The city currently has no non-discrimination ordinance in place to protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination in employment, housing or public accommodations.
