America’s Gayest States Have Been Revealed
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Investigative News Article: The States in America with the Highest LGBTQ+ Populations Revealed
New research conducted by the Williams Institute at the University of California Los Angeles has shed light on the states in America with the highest LGBTQ+ populations. The study estimated that approximately 13.9 million adults in the US, which accounts for 5.5 percent of the population, identify as LGBTQ+. This figure aligns with previous studies on the subject.
The research also highlighted that within this LGBTQ+ group, individuals aged 18-24 are most likely to identify as LGBTQ+, with 15.2 percent falling into this category. On the other hand, people older than 65 are the least likely to identify as LGBTQ+, with only 1.8 percent identifying as such.
Analyzing data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the report further revealed that the southern region of the US has the largest population of LGBTQ+ individuals, with over five million people representing 35.9 percent of the overall LGBTQ+ population. Following the south, the west boasts a population of nearly three and a half million LGBTQ+ individuals (24.5 percent), the midwest has approximately three million (21.1 percent), and the northeast has around two and a half million (18.5 percent).
When examining the states individually, California emerges as having the largest population of LGBTQ+ adults, with approximately one and a half million residents identifying as such. Texas and Florida follow closely behind in second and third place, respectively.
However, when considering the percentage of adults who identify as LGBTQ+, the rankings differ significantly. By using this metric, Washington, D.C. claims the top spot with 14.3 percent of its population identifying as LGBTQ+. Oregon comes in second place with 7.8 percent, closely followed by Delaware with 7.5 percent.
The top ten states plus Washington, D.C., ranked by the percentage of LGBTQ+ adults, are as follows: Washington, D.C. (14.3 percent), Oregon (7.8 percent), Delaware (7.5 percent), Vermont (7.4 percent), New Hampshire (7.2 percent), Washington (6.9 percent), Colorado (6.8 percent), Maine (6.8 percent), Nevada (6.6 percent), and Massachusetts (6.5 percent).
Cathy Renna, a spokesperson for the National LGBTQ Task Force, commented on the research findings, stating that the increasing number of LGBTQ+ individuals coming out at a younger age and in previously less visible areas contributes to the overall growth of the LGBTQ+ population. Renna also emphasized the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in the face of anti-LGBTQ+ bills in the southern states. She stated, “Despite the backlash and despite challenges we’re facing, we’re resilient and we’re not going anywhere.”
Renna further highlighted the importance of focusing on achieving equality in southern states, as these areas are home to a significant number of LGBTQ+ individuals who are underrepresented in media, culture, and the LGBTQ+ movement.
The study conducted by the Williams Institute provides valuable insights into the LGBTQ+ population in America. As more individuals continue to come out and embrace their identities, it is crucial to ensure that all regions across the nation work towards inclusivity and equality for LGBTQ+ individuals.
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