WORCESTER, Mass. — As Pride Month celebrations are happening across the country, a new report is showing Massachusetts can do more to protect members of the LGBTQ+ community.  

According to a report by SafeHome.org, Massachusetts ranks 28th in the country when it comes to safety for the LGBTQ+ community. The state was given a 'C' grade for how well it protects people from crimes against gender identity and sexual orientation. The group based its rating on the opinions of LGBTQ+ individuals, the number of laws each state has to protect this group and FBI data involving hate crimes.

Guillermo Creamer Jr. is a member of the LGBTQ+ community and also serves on Worcester’s Human Rights Commission. He said while Massachusetts is often thought of as progressive, it doesn't mean the state's laws and protections reflect that.

“Our assumption is we are a blue state, we are a progressive state, we are a forward moving state. We were also one of the first states in the country that allowed for same-sex marriage,” he said. “It’s never enough to think just because we have an openly gay governor that everything is being done for LGBTQ individuals throughout our state. It’s important for our legislators to step up. It’s important to ensure the rural areas in our state and really identifying what are the protection laws we can push for to ensure all our LGBTQ individuals feel safe in the state.”

Rhode Island and New Hampshire topped the chart with ‘A+’ ratings, while Florida and South Dakota rank at the bottom with an 'F' grade.