Almost a quarter of millennials identify as LGBTQ, according to a new study by GLAAD.
Harris Poll fielded online responses on behalf of GLAAD from more than 2,000 U.S. adults 18 years and older in November for the study, titled “Accelerating Acceptance 2017.” Results showed that millennial participants, or those between 18 and 34 years old, were much more likely to identify as LGBTQ than older generations surveyed.
Additionally, 12% of millennials stated they identify as transgender or gender non-conforming, as opposed to cisgender (non-transgender, or someone who identifies with the gender they were assigned at birth).
While the percents may differ, past studies have shown a similar trend away from people identifying solely at either end of the gender binary.
In January, Gallup released a report that stated over 4 percent of U.S. adults identified as LGBT in 2016, which increased from 3.5 percent in 2012. A 2015 YouGov survey that asked respondents to define their sexuality on a scale from “completely heterosexual” to “completely homosexual” showed that one-third of younger Americans selected something other than completely straight.
GLAAD noted that their latest study is quite noteworthy in the current political climate, where LGBTQ rights and anti-discrimination laws are being rolled back by the Trump administration.
“As the administration begins to fulfill its pledges to move the country backwards, many are concerned about progress made in recent years for the LGBTQ community,” Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD President & CEO, said in an emailed statement. “However, this report shows a remarkable new era of understanding and acceptance among young people – an inspiring indication of the future. Though laws can be unwritten, hearts and minds in America have been changed for the better – and that is a reality less easily unraveled.”
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