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Same-sex couples live in every state in the country — and each state has its own organizations working toward gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. To connect with the movement for fairness in your area, contact your state GLBT organizations and elected officials.

South Dakotans Against Discrimination has been formed to help educate voters on why the anti-equal marriage referendum should be defeated at the ballots in November 2006.  HRC is working closely with South Dakotans Against Discrimination, providing financial and consulting support, to help build political strength in the GLBT community.  South Dakotans Against Discrimination, working with HRC’s partnership, is also working as a partner to help overturn the recently passed anti-Roe v. Wade law in South Dakota. Want to help? Email field@hrc.org

State Overview

Gay and lesbian couples live in 99.3 percent of all counties across America, according to the Human Rights Campaign's analysis of the 2000 Census statistics. Here are the numbers for South Dakota.

Increase in households of same-sex partners in South Dakota:
Year Men Women Total Increase
1990 26 21 47 -
2000 389 437 826 1,657%

Households of same-sex partners in South Dakota, urban vs. rural:
Year Urban Total Rural Total Percent Urban Percent Rural
1990 29 18 62% 38%
2000 282 544 34% 66%

Please note that HRC estimates that the Census 2000 figures could undercount gay and lesbian families by as much as 62 percent. For more information, see Census 2000.

State Officials

Governors, state legislators, city council members and other elected officials create the laws that govern gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues at the state and local levels. Contact your elected officials and urge them to support fair-minded legislation.

View state officials information

State Elections

It’s crucial that all fair-minded voters stay up-to-speed on upcoming state elections so they can support candidates who support gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. Find out about races in your state and learn how you can cast your vote for equality.

View election data