LGBTQ identification rises to 9.3% among U.S. adults

In the United States, a Gallup report has revealed that the percentage of adults identifying as LGBTQ has increased to an all-time high of 9.3% in 2024, a notable rise from 7.6% in 2023. This survey was conducted through random telephone interviews with over 14,000 adults across all 50 states throughout the previous year. The rise in identification is attributed primarily to younger generations, especially Generation Z, where a significant 23.1% identify as LGBTQ. The report indicates a noticeable generational shift, with younger individuals more likely to identify as bisexual compared to their older counterparts. Over the years, the trend of rising LGBTQ identification has been observed, with Gallup first tracking this data in 2012 when only 3.5% of U.S. adults identified as LGBTQ. The rate has nearly tripled over the past 12 years, showing a consistent upward trajectory. Gallup highlighted that the surge among Generation Z adults plays a substantial role in this increase, as they reach adulthood at a time when societal acceptance and visibility of LGBTQ identities are at higher levels than ever before. The survey data illustrates significant differences in LGBTQ identification across various age groups. For instance, only 5.1% of Generation X, 3% of baby boomers, and a stark 1.8% of the Silent Generation identify as LGBTQ. Among all adults, bisexuality stands as the most common identity, particularly prevalent among younger generations. The findings reveal that over half of LGBTQ adults (56.3%) identify as bisexual, a sharp contrast to the nearly uniform gay and lesbian identification seen in older generations. Gallup's report also notes that the identification of transgender individuals remains relatively small across the population, with only 1.3% of adults identifying as such. However, among Gen Z, 4.1% identify as transgender, which is significantly higher than the percentages in older generations. This growing acceptance and identification reflect broader cultural shifts and a gradual increase in the personal openness of young adults regarding their sexual orientation and gender identity.