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What does LGBTQ+ mean? -

LGBTQ+ is an acronym that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning, as well as additional identities such as pansexual and nonbinary.

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The poll results -

A newly released Gallup poll states that 9.3% of adults in America now identify as LGBTQ+. This figure has almost doubled since 2020. The data in this study was collected using more than 14,100 adults across the US.

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Increase in LGBTQ+ identification over time -

The percentage of Americans identifying as LGBTQ+ has risen steadily over the past decade. In 2012, only 3.5% of the population identified as LGBTQ+.

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LGBTQ+ population over the years -

This increase suggests a growing acceptance and willingness to self-identify among LGBTQ+ individuals.

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Statement from The Trevor Project CEO -

Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, emphasized that LGBTQ+ individuals have always existed and will continue to exist regardless of laws or policies. Black pointed out that attempts to erase LGBTQ+ identities will not change the reality of their presence in society.

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Impact of younger generations on LGBTQ+ identification -

Younger generations primarily drive the growth of LGBTQ+ identification. In fact, Gen Z is significantly more likely than older generations to identify as something other than heterosexual.

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Who is Gen Z? -

Gen Z includes individuals born from 1997 to 2006. They have grown up with more acceptance and inclusion from society.

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LGBTQ+ identification among Gen Z adults -

More than one in five Gen Z adults or 22.7%, identify as LGBTQ+, according to the Gallup poll. This is a significant increase from the 18.8% average recorded between 2020 and 2022.

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Comparisons across generations: Gen Z to Silent Generation -

LGBTQ+ identification rates decline with each older generation. Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers show progressively lower rates, with the Silent Generation (born before 1946) having the lowest, at just 1.8%.

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Increase in LGBTQ+ identification among millennials and Gen X -

The Gallup poll found that LGBTQ+ identification rates increased among both millennials and Gen X. The proportion of LGBTQ+ millennials grew by nearly 2%, while Gen X saw a 1% increase.

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Survey methodology -

Phone interviews of over 14,100 US adults were conducted. The participants were asked to self-identify their sexual orientation and gender identity.

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Breakdown of LGBTQ+ identities among respondents -

A further breakdown revealed that of the individuals who identified as LGBTQ+, 5.2% were bisexual, 2% were gay, 1.4% were lesbian, and 1.3% were transgender. Just under 1% identified as another LGBTQ+ identity, such as pansexual, asexual, or queer.

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Other LGBTQ+ identities -

Some respondents identified as asexual, pansexual, or queer. These less common identities are still a part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

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Some respondents declined to answer -

Five percent of survey participants chose not to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity. This might suggest that some people may still feel uncomfortable sharing this information.

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Demographics of the LGBTQ+ population -

LGBTQ+ identification can vary by gender, geography, and even political affiliation. 

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Women vs. men in LGBTQ+ identification rates -

The poll found that 10% of women and 6% of men identify as LGBTQ+. Among younger generations, the gap is even more prominent. For Gen Z, 31% of women and 12% of men identify as LGBTQ+.

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Gender gap in LGBTQ+ identity among Gen Z and millennials -

Women in Gen Z are far more likely to identify as LGBTQ+ than their male counterparts. Among millennials, 18% of women and 9% of men identify as LGBTQ+.

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Impact of masculinity norms on LGBTQ+ identification -

Masculinity norms may be part of the reason some men don't feel comfortable sharing their LGBTQ+ identities. 

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Insights on masculinity and sexual fluidity -

Traditional ideas of masculinity often discourage sexual fluidity. This stigma may contribute to the lower identification rates among men.

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LGBTQ+ identification by geographic location -

LGBTQ+ identification is more common in urban and suburban areas than in rural areas. Cities generally offer greater acceptance and community support.

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Political affiliation and LGBTQ+ identity -

It's more likely for independents and Democrats to identify as LGBTQ+ than Republicans.

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LGBTQ+ identification based on education level -

The Gallup poll found that college graduates and non-graduates are equally likely to identify as LGBTQ+.

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Clarification: LGBTQ+ people have always existed -

LGBTQ+ identities aren't a trend or a new thing. The only thing that has shifted is the visibility that has allowed more individuals to live openly.

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Historical examples of LGBTQ+ identities across cultures -

In some cultures, LGBTQ+ identities have long been recognized. This includes the Muxes of Mexico, Mahu of Polynesia, and Two-Spirit people in Indigenous cultures.

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Social and political progress in LGBTQ+ rights -

Over the past decade, leading up to the 2024 election of President Donald Trump, significant progress was made in LGBTQ+ rights, including the legalization of same-sex marriage and the adoption of non-discrimination policies by 93% of Fortune 500 companies. However, many companies are now scaling back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

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The rise of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and its effects -

Despite progress, a concerning amount of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation has been passed. In 2023, over 523 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced in the US.

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LGBTQ+ individuals in everyday life: friends, family, and colleagues -

LGBTQ+ individuals are important members of society, existing as friends, family members, colleagues, and neighbors. Recognizing their presence in various parts of daily life helps to foster empathy.

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Future trends in LGBTQ+ identification and societal acceptance -

As younger generations continue to identify as LGBTQ+ and fight for societal acceptance, more individuals will feel safe coming out. However, the community may face challenges as anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments and legislation continue.

Sources: (CNN Health) (TAG) (UMass Amherst) (Britannica)

See also: Common beliefs among Americans

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