A new study by The Williams Institute at UCLA has identified that approximately 13.9 million adults in the United States, or 5.5% of the population, identify as LGBTQ+.
The study, which analysed data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, found noticeable age-related trends within the LGBTQ+ community. Young adults, particularly those aged 18-24, showed the highest likelihood of identifying as LGBTQ+ at 15.2%, while only 1.8% of individuals over 65 identified as LGBTQ+.
Geographically, the South emerged as the region with the most substantial LGBTQ+ population, numbering over five million individuals or 35.9% of the national LGBTQ+ community. The Western United States follows with approximately 3.5 million (24.5%), the Midwest with nearly 3 million (21.1%), and the Northeast with around 2.5 million (18.5%).
State-wise, California has the highest number of LGBTQ+ adults, followed by Texas and Florida. However, when looking at the proportion of LGBTQ+ adults, the District of Columbia stands out with the highest percentage at 14.3%. Oregon (7.8%) and Delaware (7.5%) follow.
The 10 top states with the largest number of LGBTQ+ adults:
- California
- Texas
- Florida
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Ohio
- Michigan
- Illinois
- Georgia
- Washington
The study’s findings underscore the widespread and diverse presence of the LGBTQ+ community across the United States, even in regions like the South, where there has been a notable increase in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Cathy Renna, a spokesperson for the National LGBTQ Task Force, emphasises the resilience and growth of the LGBTQ+ population despite these challenges. She points out the importance of advocacy and representation, particularly in the South, where a significant part of the LGBTQ+ population resides.
The top 10 states plus the District of Columbia by percent of LGBTQ+ adults:
- Washington, D.C. – 14.3%
- Oregon − 7.8%
- Delaware − 7.5%
- Vermont − 7.4%
- New Hampshire − 7.2%
- Washington − 6.9%
- Colorado − 6.8%
- Maine − 6.8%
- Nevada − 6.6%
- Massachusetts − 6.5%