The latest Gallup survey reveals a significant increase in the number of adults in the United States identifying as LGBTQ+, with approximately 9.3% of the population now acknowledging a non-heterosexual or non-cisgender identity. This marks a notable rise from previous years and highlights a growing trend of acceptance and self-recognition among diverse communities. According to Gallup’s findings, the percentage of LGBTQ+ adults has almost doubled since 2020, and nearly tripled since 2012, when Gallup first began tracking such data.
The report, which surveyed over 14,000 adults, offers a detailed breakdown of the LGBTQ+ community’s composition. It shows that bisexual individuals make up the majority at 56%, followed by gay adults at 21%, lesbians at 15%, and transgender individuals at 14%. Interestingly, the number of people identifying with multiple LGBTQ+ labels has resulted in a sum greater than 100%, reflecting the diversity within the community.
Generational Divide: Gen Z at the Forefront
One of the most striking findings from the report is the generational divide in LGBTQ+ identification. Nearly 23% of Gen Z adults (those born between 1997 and 2006) now identify as LGBTQ+, a stark contrast to just 1.8% of the Silent Generation. This demographic shift signals a broader cultural change, as younger generations embrace their identities in unprecedented numbers. The study reveals that women are more likely than men to identify as LGBTQ+, with 31% of Gen Z women compared to 12% of Gen Z men claiming a non-heterosexual or non-cisgender identity.
Gallup’s data underscores a societal transformation where acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities continues to rise, particularly among younger generations. This shift is particularly notable as it’s accompanied by a rejection of traditional gender norms and labels, further affirming the need for inclusivity in our modern world.
LGBTQ+ Rights and Political Impact
The Gallup survey also highlights significant political implications. Democrats and liberals are notably more likely to identify as LGBTQ+ than their conservative counterparts, with 21% of liberals compared to just 3% of conservatives. This generational shift is also reflected in the political landscape, where anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric from Republican leaders has increasingly been at odds with the evolving realities of American society. The study shows that such divisive political strategies are increasingly ineffective as LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly the younger generations, gain visibility and support.
The findings emphasize that the growing presence of LGBTQ+ individuals in society cannot be ignored by politicians or lawmakers. The community’s voice has become louder, and as Kelley Robinson from the Human Rights Campaign points out, politicians who attempt to undermine LGBTQ+ rights will ultimately fail. With more individuals openly identifying as LGBTQ+, the push for equality and acceptance is stronger than ever, marking a critical moment in the ongoing fight for civil rights.