Percentage of US adults identifying as LGBTQ+ more than doubles since 2012, survey finds
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The latest research conducted by Gallup has revealed a significant increase in the proportion of US adults identifying as LGBTQ+. The survey, based on telephone interviews with over 12,000 Americans aged 18 and older across all 50 US states and the District of Columbia, found that 7.6 per cent of Americans now identify as LGBTQ+. This number has more than doubled since 2012 when the figure was 3.5 per cent.
Within the LGBTQ+ population, the survey found that bisexuals made up the largest proportion, followed by gay people and lesbians. Interestingly, women were nearly twice as likely as men to identify as LGBTQ+. The survey also highlighted that younger generations were more likely to identify as LGBTQ+, with more than one in five Generation Z adults and nearly one in 10 Millennials falling into this category.
The survey states, “the percentage of US adults who consider themselves something other than heterosexual has more than doubled since Gallup first asked about sexual orientation and transgender identity in 2012.” If current trends continue, it is projected that the proportion of LGBTQ+ identifiers will exceed 10 per cent of US adults within the next three decades.
In a separate study conducted by Business Insider and YouGov, it was found that Gen Z individuals are increasingly rejecting binary labels like “gay” and “lesbian” in favor of more fluid labels like “queer.” One per cent of Gen Z (aged between 18 and 26) identified as queer, compared to one per cent of Gen X and Millennials. This trend towards embracing more inclusive and fluid identities is reflective of a broader cultural shift towards greater acceptance and understanding of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
These findings are consistent with other recent studies, including the UK census, which also found a significant increase in the number of young people identifying as LGBTQ+. In the UK, 6.91 per cent of young people identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, highlighting a similar trend towards greater openness and acceptance of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities among younger generations.
Overall, the research conducted by Gallup sheds light on the evolving landscape of sexual orientation and gender identity in the United States. The increasing number of individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ reflects a growing acceptance and understanding of diverse identities within society. As we continue to move towards a more inclusive and equitable future, it is essential to celebrate and uplift the voices of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
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