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What Percent Of The Population Is Gay
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It is difficult to accurately estimate the percent of the population that identifies as LGBTI + since there is no reliable data available. However, various studies worldwide have been conducted to explore this figure, and they suggest that the proportion of LGBTI + people ranges from 2.7-10%. A 2017 survey found that 8.2% of the UK population identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual and an estimate from the same year suggests that 0.5-2% define themselves as transgender. There have also been studies in the United States which suggest a similar percentage – approximately 5-6% – of citizens identifying as LGBTQ+.
It is important to note that these figures are just estimations, so it is hard to give an accurate picture of exactly how many people identify as LGBTI +. Studies dating back to decades ago may no longer be applicable today due to changes in society, and some countries prohibit any type of research on LGBTQ+ issues, making accurate information difficult to come by.
Introduction: Overview of the population demographics
The percent of the population that identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) is difficult to measure because the majority of countries have yet to recognize a specific option for individuals to identify their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Further, those who identify as LGBT often experience stigma and discrimination with alarming frequency in many places around the world.
That being said, studies conducted by various organizations throughout the years have given us an idea of what percentage of people identify as LGBT. Depending on where you live in the world (as well as how much education you’ve received, your age demographic, etc.), this number can vary widely. Overall, estimates range from 1-10%, depending on all these factors; however surveys taken by The Williams Institute at UCLA Law suggest a figure closer to 8%.
It’s also important to note that most studies exclude non-heterosexual people who remain closeted due to fear of discrimination—which is another unknown factor that our estimates are not taking into account. Therefore we still lack an accurate measure for what percentage of people truly identify as LGBT.
What is the percentage of LGBTQ individuals in the overall population?
The percentage of LGBTQ individuals in the overall population is difficult to determine, as there are no definitive statistics available. Estimates range from 2-10% depending on the source. Studies conducted on a national level suggest that around 5.6% of adults in the U.S. identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBTQ).
While these numbers may seem small, it’s important to remember that this includes millions of people in our population—nearly 11 million Americans according to one report by Gallup. As more and more people come out and share their stories, this number is sure to grow!
Variations by region, race and gender
There is no single answer to the question of what percentage of the population is gay because it varies greatly by region, race and gender. Generally, estimates range from 2-10%, with some statistics claiming as much as 20%.
When looking at regional variations, studies show that people in urban areas are more likely to identify as LGBT than those in rural areas. People of color also tend to report a greater identification with sexual minorities than their white counterparts. This applies both to those who identify as LGBTQIA+ and those who are allied with this community but do not identify themselves as such.
Finally, there are gender differences. Women tend to be more likely than men and non-binary people to both identify as members of a sexual minority, and also express openness about their sexual identity. In addition, younger generations (particularly Generation Z) have been reported to openly embrace a diverse range of sexual identities more than previous generations.
Troubling trends among youth
Recent data has revealed troubling trends among LGBTQ youth. Unfortunately, as much as 11% of the population between the ages of 13 and 24 identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. This is in stark contrast to other age groups who have percentages closer to 3-5%.
Why the larger percentage? Well, there are a variety of potential factors at play. Many researchers point to increased visibility of diverse sexuality in popular culture, improved comfort with talking about LGBTQ topics, and increasing acceptance of this segment of society around the world. All these could help propel more youth to identify as LGBTQ than ever before.
Additionally, despite progress on many fronts there are still cycles of oppression that can lead some young people towards choosing an identity due to bullying or discrimination in their lives or even lack of education about diverse gender identities and sexual orientations. Whatever the reasons, it is clear that LGBTQ youth will require additional support and resources to achieve positive life outcomes going forward.
The role of social acceptance/discrimination
The exact percentage of the population that identifies as gay varies from country to country, but one factor that affects this figure is the level of social acceptance and/or discrimination people experience in their lives. Countries with greater levels of stigma, homophobia and anti-LGBs attitudes may have a lower reported rate than countries where people feel they can open up and connect with others in more affirming ways.
LGBTQ people who face discrimination and fear of coming out usually underreport due to fears about prejudicial treatment or employment repercussions, particularly in countries where homosexuality is still illegal or frowned upon. This means that no accurate figure for the exact number of LGBT people around the world exists, though general estimates have been made through surveys and research studies.
Research has shown that support for LGBTQ rights can play a big role in how many queer folks come out publicly, and at what age they do so. As society continues to become more accepting of alternative identities and sexual orientations, it’s likely that this will be reflected in more adults becoming comfortable enough (and safe enough) to identify openly as part of the LGBTQ community–meaning the global population’s real percent could rise over time.