Did you know?
75% of non-LGBTQ+ consumers feel that brands have a responsibility to advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion and equality. In addition, approximately 82% of consumers say they are more likely to support brands that include LGBTQ+ representation in their advertising.
Building on the belief that brands should advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion, the broader impact of media representation on social acceptance is significant. For instance, 69% of Americans say that seeing LGBTQ+ people in media has made society more accepting of the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, 61% of non-LGBTQ+ individuals exposed to LGBTQ+ representation in media are more likely to support equal rights for LGBTQ+ people.
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 | Income- 14% of LGBTQ+ adults have an annual income over $100,000 (compared to 24% of non-LGBTQ+ adults).
- 22% of LGBTQ+ adults have an annual income between $50,000 and $100,000 (compared to 31% of non-LGBTQ+ adults).
- 64% of LGBTQ+ adults have an annual income below $50,000 (compared to $60,000 for non-LGBTQ adults)
Workplace Disclosure and Economic Impact: - 47% of LGBTQ employees believe disclosing their sexual orientation at work could jeopardize their career prospects, including fears of job loss, being passed over for promotions, or receiving undesirable assignments.
- Those who are out at work often experience higher job satisfaction and engagement, potentially leading to better economic outcomes and career growth.
- However, many LGBTQ individuals remain closeted due to the risk of discrimination and bias, negatively impacting their income and career advancement opportunities.
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 | Education- LGBTQ+ adults overall tend to have higher levels of education compared to non-LGBTQ+ adults.
- Approximately 45% of LGBTQ+ adults have completed college (earned a Bachelor’s degree), compared to 33% of non-LGBTQ+ adults.
- 18% of LGBTQ+ adults have obtained an advanced degree, compared to 13% of non-LGBTQ+ adults.
- Lesbians are 10% more likely to have a bachelor’s degree than heterosexual women.
- Gay men are 12% - 16% more likely to have a bachelor’s degree than heterosexual men.
Reasons for Higher Education Among LGBTQ+ Individuals: - LGBTQ+ individuals may pursue higher education not solely for the sake of seeking tolerant workplaces, but for other workplace characteristics that correlate with tolerance, such as:
- Opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Better job security and benefits.
- More inclusive and diverse environments.
Education and Economic Outcomes: - Higher education levels generally correlate with higher income, yet LGBTQ+ individuals with the same education levels as non-LGBTQ+ individuals often earn less. For example, LGBTQ+ individuals with a college degree earn on average $4,000 less annually than non-LGBTQ+ individuals with the same level of education.
- Despite higher levels of education, LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender individuals, face higher unemployment rates and greater economic challenges compared to their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts.
Barriers to Education: - LGBTQ+ students often face unique barriers and challenges in educational settings, including discrimination, harassment, and lack of support, which can impact their academic performance and overall well-being.
- Despite these challenges, many LGBTQ+ individuals strive for higher education to improve their socio-economic status and gain access to more inclusive and supportive work environments.
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 | Discrimination- 55% of LGBTQ+ people report experiencing discrimination in some form.
Percent of People Uncomfortable with LGBTQ+ Individuals in Various Contexts: - At a place of worship: 24%
- Seeing same-sex wedding photos: 27%
- After learning a family member is LGBTQ+: 30%
- When a child has an LGBTQ+ teacher: 31%
- Learning their doctor is LGBTQ+: 31%
- Seeing same-sex couples holding hands: 31%
- Children having a lesson on LGBTQ+ history in school: 37%
- Healthcare Discrimination:
- 16% of LGBTQ+ people avoid seeking medical care due to fear of discrimination.
- 8% report being refused medical care because of their LGBTQ+ status.
- Education Discrimination:
- 85% of LGBTQ+ students experience verbal harassment at school.
- 56% of LGBTQ+ students feel unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation.
- Public Accommodations:
- 1 in 4 LGBTQ+ individuals have experienced discrimination in public places such as restaurants, hotels, and stores.
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 | LGBTQ Inclusive Movies, TV Shows, Ads Promote Acceptance- 86% of non-LGBTQ people say that they know someone who is LGBTQ.
- 45% of those exposed to LGBTQ people in the media say they are more accepting of bisexual people.
- 41% are more accepting of non-binary people after exposure to LGBTQ representation in the media.
- 72% are more likely to be comfortable learning that a family member is LGBTQ after seeing LGBTQ representation in the media.
- 79% of those exposed to LGBTQ people in the media are comfortable with a new LGBTQ family with children moving into their neighborhood.
- 85% believe that LGBTQ-inclusive ads illustrate the company’s commitment to offering products to all types of customers.
- Visibility and Representation:
- 90% of LGBTQ+ individuals feel that positive representation in media helps reduce discrimination and promotes acceptance.
- 74% of non-LGBTQ+ individuals report that seeing LGBTQ+ characters and stories has increased their understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community.
- Impact on Youth:
- LGBTQ+ youth who see positive representation in media are 50% more likely to feel good about themselves.
- 66% of LGBTQ+ youth say that seeing LGBTQ+ representation in media made them feel less alone.
- Social Acceptance:
- 69% of Americans say that seeing LGBTQ+ people in media has made society more accepting of the LGBTQ+ community.
- 61% of non-LGBTQ+ people exposed to LGBTQ+ representation in media are more likely to support equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals.
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Sources and Information
Gallup- Website: Gallup
- LGBTQ+ Statistics: Gallup frequently publishes reports and surveys on LGBTQ+ demographics. Specific reports related to LGBTQ+ identification and trends can be found on their website.
Williams Institute- Website: Williams Institute
- LGBTQ+ Research: The Williams Institute provides extensive research and data on LGBTQ+ demographics, including studies on population estimates, marriage, and family structure.
U.S. Census Bureau- Website: U.S. Census Bureau
- LGBTQ+ Data: While the Census Bureau does not have comprehensive LGBTQ+ data, it provides relevant demographic information and occasionally releases special reports on same-sex couples and other related topics. For specific LGBTQ+ data, please refer to reports and special studies published by the Census Bureau.
Pew Research Center- Website: Pew Research Center
- LGBTQ+ Statistics: Pew Research Center conducts surveys and reports on social trends, including LGBTQ+ issues and attitudes. They offer valuable insights into demographic trends and public opinion.
Human Rights Campaign (HRC)- Website: Human Rights Campaign
- LGBTQ+ Advocacy and Data: HRC provides research, reports, and resources on LGBTQ+ issues, including statistics on marriage equality, discrimination, and other relevant topics.
Additional LGBTQ+ Resources: |
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