A sweeping shift is underway in how Americans define themselves. Recent comprehensive surveys reveal that approximately 9% of U.S. adults now identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or another non-heterosexual identity – a figure that dramatically illustrates evolving societal norms.
This represents a significant increase from just over a decade ago. In 2012, only 3.5% of Americans embraced these identities, while the current number is nearly triple that amount, showcasing a growing openness and acceptance.
The vast majority, 86%, continue to identify as heterosexual, but the rising percentage identifying as LGBTQ+ is undeniable. A small percentage, 5%, chose not to answer the question, leaving a nuanced picture of self-identification.
Age plays a crucial role in these numbers. A remarkable 23% of young adults aged 18-29 identify as LGBTQ+, a stark contrast to the 2.3% among those 65 and older. This generational divide suggests a more fluid understanding of identity among younger cohorts.
Gender also influences identification rates. Women are more than twice as likely as men to identify as LGBTQ+, with 10.5% identifying as such compared to 5.6% of men. This difference warrants further exploration into the factors shaping these distinct patterns.
Political affiliation reveals another compelling trend. Democrats are significantly more likely to identify as LGBTQ+ than Republicans, with 14.2% and 1.9% respectively. This highlights the intersection of identity and political ideology in contemporary America.
Within the LGBTQ+ community itself, bisexual individuals represent the largest segment, accounting for 6.6% of those identifying as LGBTQ+ – translating to 5.3% of the total U.S. adult population. This demonstrates the breadth and diversity within the broader LGBTQ+ spectrum.
While the 9% figure is slightly lower than the 9.3% recorded in 2024, the overall trajectory points towards continued growth in LGBTQ+ self-identification. These numbers aren’t simply statistics; they reflect a nation grappling with, and increasingly embracing, a wider spectrum of human experience.
