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As societal norms shift and inclusivity prospers, more Americans than ever are openly identifying as LGBTQ+. A recent Gallup poll shows a record 9.3% of US adults embracing diverse identities, nearly doubling in just a few years. This trend, largely driven by younger generations, highlights a cultural transformation toward greater acceptance and visibility. However, as progress continues, challenges persist, showing the ongoing need for advocacy and support.
Curious about the recent poll results and the LGBTQ+ community in the US? Click through now to learn more.
LGBTQ+ is an acronym that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning, as well as additional identities such as pansexual and nonbinary.
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.
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+.
This increase suggests a growing acceptance and willingness to self-identify among LGBTQ+ individuals.
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.
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.
Gen Z includes individuals born from 1997 to 2006. They have grown up with more acceptance and inclusion from society.
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.
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%.
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.
Phone interviews of over 14,100 US adults were conducted. The participants were asked to self-identify their sexual orientation and gender identity.
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.
Some respondents identified as asexual, pansexual, or queer. These less common identities are still a part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum.
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.
LGBTQ+ identification can vary by gender, geography, and even political affiliation.
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+.
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+.
Masculinity norms may be part of the reason some men don't feel comfortable sharing their LGBTQ+ identities.
Traditional ideas of masculinity often discourage sexual fluidity. This stigma may contribute to the lower identification rates among men.
LGBTQ+ identification is more common in urban and suburban areas than in rural areas. Cities generally offer greater acceptance and community support.
It's more likely for independents and Democrats to identify as LGBTQ+ than Republicans.
The Gallup poll found that college graduates and non-graduates are equally likely to identify as LGBTQ+.
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.
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.
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.
Despite progress, a concerning amount of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation has been passed. In 2023, over 523 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced in the US.
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.
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
Gallup poll finds that more Americans identify as LGBTQ+ than ever before
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As societal norms shift and inclusivity prospers, more Americans than ever are openly identifying as LGBTQ+. A recent Gallup poll shows a record 9.3% of US adults embracing diverse identities, nearly doubling in just a few years. This trend, largely driven by younger generations, highlights a cultural transformation toward greater acceptance and visibility. However, as progress continues, challenges persist, showing the ongoing need for advocacy and support.
Curious about the recent poll results and the LGBTQ+ community in the US? Click through now to learn more.