Survey Finds Nearly 1 in 10 U.S. Adults Identify as LGBTQ+

Saturday, March 1, 2025

A recent Gallup survey revealed that nearly 9.3% of U.S. adults now identify as LGBTQ+, marking a significant increase from 3.5% in 2012. This rise in identification is largely attributed to younger generations, with 20% of Gen Z adults identifying as LGBTQ+.

While this growth reflects a broader societal shift towards greater acceptance and visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals, challenges remain for the community. Under the current administration, policies impacting healthcare access, recognition, and rights for LGBTQ+ individuals are under scrutiny, with many fearing potential setbacks.

Despite the increasing number of individuals openly identifying as LGBTQ+, the evolving political landscape highlights the ongoing struggles faced by the community, including efforts to undermine LGBTQ+ rights, especially for transgender individuals and those seeking gender-affirming care.

The survey underscores a larger trend of greater self-identification and visibility, particularly among younger people, yet it also serves as a reminder of the continued work needed to ensure equality and support for all members of the LGBTQ+ community.

LGBTQ+ Identification in the UK Sees Significant Rise Among Young People

In the UK, a similar trend is being observed, with statistics showing a notable increase in LGBTQ+ identification. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), approximately 3.2% of UK adults aged 16 and over identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) in 2021, up from 2.0% in 2017. This increase is particularly pronounced among younger generations, with 10.4% of people aged 16 to 24 identifying as LGB in 2023, compared to just 4.4% in 2018.

Among this age group, women were more likely to identify as bisexual, with 9.2% doing so, compared to 5.9% of men. Additionally, regional differences are evident, with London recording the highest proportion of LGB-identifying adults at 5.2%, while Northern Ireland had the lowest at 2.2%. These numbers highlight not only the growing visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals but also the ongoing challenges and diversity of experiences across different parts of the UK.

The increase in LGB identification is part of a broader shift towards greater acceptance and visibility for LGBTQ+ people in the UK, especially as younger generations lead the way. However, the community continues to face barriers, with debates over policy and support for LGBTQ+ rights ongoing.