The Ipsos LGBT+ Pride 2023 survey has shed light on the diverse landscape of sexual orientation and gender identity across 30 countries, with an average of 9% of the adult population identifying as LGBTQ+.
With a sample size of over 22,500 adults below 75, the survey highlights significant generational disparities and varying levels of support for LGBTQ+ rights. The findings demonstrate the increasing visibility of the LGBTQ+ community in some regions while revealing persistent challenges in others.
According to the survey results, an average of 9% of adults in the 30 countries surveyed identify as LGBTQ+. The breakdown shows that, on average, 3% identify as gay or lesbian, 4% as bisexual, 1% as pansexual or omnisexual, and 1% as asexual. Notably, there are sharp generational differences, with members of Generation Z being approximately twice as likely to identify as bisexual, pansexual/omnisexual, or asexual compared to Millennials. Additionally, Gen Zers are four times more likely to identify as such compared to Generation Xers and Baby Boomers.
The survey also indicates that men are more likely than women to identify as queer, with a global average of 4% for men compared to 1% for women. However, both men and women are equally likely to identify as bisexual, pansexual/omnisexual, or asexual.
The survey reveals that Spain has the highest percentage of individuals identifying as gay or lesbian (6%). In comparison, Brazil and the Netherlands have the highest percentages of individuals identifying as bisexual (both 7%). Conversely, Japan reports the lowest rates of gay or lesbian identification (less than 1%), as well as the lowest rates of bisexual identification (1%).
When asked about their gender identity, respondents reported varied descriptions. Globally, 1% identified as transgender, 1% as non-binary, gender non-conforming, or gender fluid, and 1% as neither male nor female. Notably, there are substantial differences between younger and older adults in their propensity to describe themselves in these categories. Approximately 6% of Gen Zers and 3% of Millennials identify as such, compared to 1% of both Gen Xers and Baby Boomers. Furthermore, the survey indicates a growing generational gap, with a 2% increase among Gen Zers and Millennials since 2021, compared to a 1% or less increase among Gen Xers and Boomers.
The survey indicates that the visibility of LGBTQ+ people has increased since the previous Pride survey conducted two years ago. On average, across the 30 countries surveyed, 47% of adults reported having a relative, friend, or work colleague who identifies as gay or lesbian, representing a 5% increase since 2021. Similarly, 26% reported knowing someone who is bisexual, a 2% increase, while 13% reported knowing a transgender individual, and 12% knew someone who is non-binary, gender non-conforming, or gender fluid, both representing a 3% increase.
However, the visibility of different segments of the LGBTQ+ community still varies widely across countries. Countries such as Spain, Brazil, and Thailand exhibit higher visibility, while Japan, South Korea, Turkey, Romania, Hungary, and Poland report lower levels of visibility. Women are more likely than men to report knowing individuals with different sexual orientations and gender identities, and younger adults are more likely to have such connections compared to older adults.
The survey highlights varying levels of support for LGBTQ+ rights across different countries. On average, 56% of respondents across the 30 countries believe that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry legally, while 16% support some form of legal recognition but not marriage, and 14% oppose any form of recognition. Support for same-sex marriage ranges from 49% to 80% in countries where it is already legal.
Regarding same-sex parenting, globally, 65% believe that same-sex couples are just as capable of successfully raising children as heterosexual couples, and 64% support equal adoption rights for same-sex couples – Majorities hold these views in 26 countries. However, countries like Poland, Turkey, Romania, and South Korea disagree more than agree on both opinions.
The survey also reveals widespread support for protecting transgender people from discrimination in employment, housing, and access to businesses. However, opinions are divided on other pro-transgender measures, such as gender-affirming care for transgender teenagers, access to single-sex facilities based on gender identity, and the inclusion of non-binary gender options in government-issued documents.
