Meet the Neighbors

In 2004, Equity Action published Meet the Neighbors, the first-ever full-length portrait of Rhode Island’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals.

This landmark survey of 371 individuals revealed that the LGBTQ population looks much like the rest of the state. They vary in ethnic and racial backgrounds, gender, and age. They have long-term relationships, extended families, and children. They live throughout the state, work in a wide range of sectors, and contribute to all aspects of Rhode Island’s economic and civic life.

At the same time, the respondents report experiences of discrimination, harassment, and prejudice in public establishments, work environments, health care, neighborhoods, schools, even walking down the street.

Only 49% of respondents reported being “out” with regard to their sexual orientation where they work, and many said they do not disclose this information for fear of losing employment, housing, or the love of family and friends. Young people do not reveal their sexual orientation for fear of parental rejection, being forced out of their homes, and mental and physical harassment in school.

Meet the Neighbors identified critical areas of need that continue to inform Equity Action’s grantmaking.