6AM City In-house

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Dive into Austin’s 2023 Municipal Equality Index score
A photo of the Austin skyline with purple flowers in the foreground.
Austin also received a perfect score on the same list in 2021. | Photo by 4kodiak
The Human Rights Campaign released the 2022 Municipal Equality Index, and Austin is on the list. How did we score?

Each year, the Human Rights Campaign releases a Municipal Equality Index, which takes a deep dive into municipal laws, policies, services, and how inclusive they are of LGBTQ+ people. This year’s edition examined 506 cities on 49 different criteria across five categories: non-discrimination laws, municipality as employer, services and programs, law enforcement, and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.

Based on these criteria, Austin earned a score of 100 out of 100. A perfect score. Here’s a breakdown of how we got here… and how we can go even further.

Non-discrimination laws

This category looks at whether LGBTQ+ discrimination is prohibited by law in areas of employment, housing, and public accommodation. Austin achieved a 30 out of 30 for our laws across the state, county, and municipality.

Municipality as employer

Cities can achieve points for inclusive employment policies like trans-inclusive healthcare policies and non-discrimination in city employment. Austin got a 26 out of 28.

Services and programs

This section considers the city’s efforts to include LGBTQ+ folks in city services and programs. Austin scored 12 out of 12, and got bonus points for city-offered services for people living with HIV or AIDS.

Law enforcement

Looking at the relationship between law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community, Austin earned 22 out of 22.

Leadership on LGBTQ+ equality

This section looks at city leadership’s commitment to advocacy and inclusion. Austin got an 8 out of 8, and earned bonus points for having openly LGBTQ+ elected or appointed leaders.

Other studies like this

The HRC isn’t the only organization tracking Austin’s inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community. Explore these locally conducted studies for comparison:
Let us know how you think we could make our community more welcoming to all.
HOW WE CAN IMPROVE
6AM City In-house

Click here to have your event featured.

Tuesday, Dec. 6
Wednesday, Dec. 7
  • Here Comes Signing Santa Claus | Wednesday, Dec. 7 | 3:30-8 p.m. | Barton Creek Square, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin | Free | Signing Santa is coming to visit kids who are deaf and hard of hearing, with a performance from the Texas School for the Deaf Sign Choir.
  • Yung Gravy & bbno$: Baby Gravy, The Tour | Wednesday, Dec. 7 | 8 p.m. | ACL Live at The Moody Theater, 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd., Austin | $42.50-$44.50 | You’ll be on your feet all night at this rap performance.
Thursday, Dec. 8
  • Austin Trail of Lights | Thursday, Dec. 8-Friday, Dec. 23 | 6-10 p.m. | Zilker Park, Barton Springs Rd., Austin | Price varies | Enjoy more than 2 million lights, 90 lighted holiday trees, nightly entertainment, food trucks, and holiday activities at this annual display.
  • French Pop-Up: Paris13 | Thursday, Dec. 8 | 5-9 p.m. | The VORTEX, 2307 Manor Rd., Austin | Cost of purchase | Born in France but made in Austin, Paris 13 is bringing comfort food that promises to put a smile on your face at every bite.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
100+ MORE EVENTS
6AM City In-house

Weather
  • 76º | Cloudy | 22% chance of rain ☁️
Civic
  • Texas Secretary of State John Scott is stepping down from the position, which he has held since October 2021, in order to return to private practice at the end of the year. (Texas Tribune)
  • The Department of Homeland Security extended the REAL ID enforcement date from May 3, 2023, to May 7, 2025. You’ll know you have a REAL ID, which will become mandatory for airport travel, if it has a gold star in the upper right corner. 🪪 (KXAN)
Closing
  • Dripping Springs vegan bakery Skull & Cakebones, at 3991 Hwy. 290, will close its doors for good on Sunday, Dec. 18. This isn’t the end of the bakery — Skull & Cakebones is partnering with H-E-B to continue selling baked goods. 🥐 (Eater Austin)
Sports
  • Mark your calendars. The 8-4 Texas Longhorns are facing the 10-2 Washington Huskies in a postseason game at the Valero San Antonio Alamo Bowl on Thursday, Dec. 29. 🏈 (Austin Business Journal)
  • Sloane Stephens — 2017 US Open champion — is slated to play at the inaugural ATX Open, which is the first stop in the US on the 2023 Women’s Tennis Association schedule. The event is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 27-Sunday, March 5 at Westwood Country Club. 🎾 (KXAN)
Featured
  • Unbeerlievable news. Houston-based liquor chain Spec’s named three Austin-made brews on its Top 10 Texas Beers list. The brews in question: Live Oak’s Hefeweizen, 512 Brewing’s Pecan Porter, and Austin Beerwork’s Pearl Snap Pils.
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Last-minute gifts from Blue Genie Art Bazaar

Last minute local gifts from Blue Genie Art Bazaar
a slideshow of angles inside the Blue Genie Art Bazaar.
Hundreds of vendors means hundreds of local gift options. | Photos courtesy of Blue Genie Art Bazaar
Be honest, is all your holiday shopping done?

If you’re anything like us, you’ve been spending more time thinking about gift giving than actually buying. You’ve got until 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 24, to grab a gift from Blue Genie Art Bazaar — visit in-person at 6100 Airport Blvd. or shop online.

Here are 12 gift ideas from local makers.
  1. This three-wick eucalyptus rose wooden bowl centerpiece candle, which is guaranteed to make any room a little more cozy, from 7th Street Candle Co. 🪔 | $50
  2. These mixed-medium, beaded fabric studs from jewelry maker ashdel. | $36
  3. A trendy opal necklace in the shape of Texas, available in seven different colors, from Stitch and Stone. | $28
  4. A repurposed cedar and pine birdhouse for your favorite birder from Idler Homes. | $120
  5. A hand-blown glass cowboy hat paper weight — for a little country flair — by Ghost Pepper Glass. | $50
7 MORE GIFTS
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Figi.

Editor’s pick: I’m officially panic-buying gifts now that it’s December, and I’m in need of some inspiration. What’s your dream gift, or the best gift you’ve gotten recently? Let me know and I might use your answer in a future story.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We’ve got tips for navigating changing housing conditions, here.
Connect with us.

Editorial: Laura Figi, London Gibson, Dayten Rose, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Camille McLeod | Advertise with us.

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