LGBTQ in the US
pixabay
Recent data suggests that the South has the largest population of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender adults in the United States, supporting recent research findings.
American adults
pixabay
Studies indicate that more than 5% of American adults identify as LGBTQ+, aligning with previous statistics.
LGBTQ+ identification
pixabay
The report from the Williams Institute at the University of California Los Angeles highlights a higher rate of LGBTQ+ identification among individuals aged 18-24.
14 million
pixabay
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the report discloses that there were close to 14 million LGBTQ+ adults in the U.S. in 2020 and 2021, with some states showing significantly higher proportions of gay and queer residents than others.
Gradual rise
pixabay
A recent Gallup poll this year revealed a slightly increased percentage of LGBTQ+ adults in the U.S. Multiple surveys consistently demonstrate a gradual rise in the adult LGBTQ population over the years.
Coming out
pixabay
“Look at the numbers, more people are coming out younger, and people are coming out in places where LGBTQ folks have been less out and visible,” Cathy Renna, a spokesperson for the National LGBTQ Task Force, told USA TODAY.
Residents
pixabay
The analysis of the data at a state level shows that Washington, D.C., Oregon, and Delaware have the highest proportion of gay and queer residents.
Population survey
pixabay
The national census, the most prominent population survey in the country, does not collect information on Americans’ sexual orientation or gender identity.
Smaller surveys
pixabay
However, in 2021, some smaller surveys conducted by the bureau began including these questions for the first time.
Researchers
pixabay
Researchers from the Williams Institute, a prominent research group on LGBTQ+ population data, estimate that over 13.9 million LGBTQ+ adults reside in the United States, accounting for 5.5% of the total population.
Poll results
pixabay
Annually, Gallup releases poll results estimating the number of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals in the country. In their latest report, based on a survey of 10,000 respondents, 7.2% identified as LGBTQ+.
Gen Z
pixabay
The highest percentage was found among adult Gen Zers, born between 1997 and 2012, according to the Pew Research Center.
5 million
pixabay
The latest data indicates that almost 36% of the adult LGBTQ+ population in the United States lives in the South, totaling over 5 million individuals.
Williams Institute
pixabay
This reflects an increase from the 2014 data by the Williams Institute, which reported that 35% of the nation’s LGBTQ+ population resided in the South.
Defined by researchers
pixabay
The South, as defined by researchers, includes South from Texas and Oklahoma to Florida and north through Delaware, encompassing Kentucky, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C., within its boundaries.
Southern states
Youtube
Southern states governed by Republicans have implemented a higher number of laws in recent years that limit transgender healthcare, school sports access, and LGBTQ+ history education compared to other regions in the country.
Nationwide
pixabay
As a result, the South is leading the charge in the nationwide battle for LGBTQ+ rights and equality, according to Renna.
Resistance
Youtube
Despite facing resistance and obstacles, Renna emphasized the resilience and determination of the community.
Surpassing
Youtube
Studies indicate that 5.7% of Louisiana’s adult population identifies as LGBTQ+, surpassing states like New York, California, and Illinois in terms of LGBTQ+ representation.
