The Movement Advancement Project

The Movement Advancement Project (MAP) is an independent nonprofit think tank founded in 2006 that specializes in research, policy analysis, and data tools focused on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) equality. Rather than acting as a membership lobby group or advocacy arm, MAP positions itself as a data-driven research and policy organization, producing rigorous studies and accessible resources that inform policymakers, advocates, media, and the public. Its work is designed to support evidence-based decision-making and highlight disparities in law, health, education, and civic participation that affect LGBTQ communities across the United States.

A relatively small professional team — around 14 staff members — produces some of MAP’s most recognized outputs, including Equality Maps and Democracy Maps. These interactive tools track laws, policies, and lived conditions state by state, offering a visual and analytical baseline for understanding progress and gaps in LGBTQ protections. At its core, MAP’s mission is to provide independent, rigorous research and analysis to accelerate equality and opportunity for LGBTQ people. By offering accessible data, targeted policy insight, and strategic context, MAP supports conversation and action on structural inequities while fostering collaboration across movements and decision-making arenas.