LGBTQ+ in the U.S.: Which States Lead? New Data Breaks Down Where LGBTQ+ People Live

A recent report from the Williams Institute at the University of California Los Angeles gives us a closer look at where lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ+) people live in the United States. Let's break down the key findings, from which states have the most LGBTQ+ residents to the growing numbers among younger generations.

LGBTQ+ Across the U.S.:

The report estimates that more than 5% of adults in the U.S. identify as LGBTQ+, similar to what we've seen before. Young adults, aged 18-24, are more likely to identify as LGBTQ+, according to the report that used data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention covering 2020 and 2021. It suggests there are nearly 14 million LGBTQ+ adults in the U.S., but the numbers vary across states.

LGBTQ+ Presence Across States:

Some states stand out for having more LGBTQ+ residents than others. The leaders in this regard are Washington, D.C., Oregon, and Delaware. The South is home to about 36% of the nation's adult LGBTQ+ population, a noticeable increase from the data in 2014. This indicates a growing LGBTQ+ community in the Southern states.

Generational Changes:

The younger generation, known as Gen Z and born between 1997 and 2012, has a higher percentage of LGBTQ+ members. In 2020 and 2021, 15.2% of Gen Z identified as LGBTQ+, which aligns with other findings showing an increase in LGBTQ+ identification among younger people.

Bisexual Majority:

When it comes to sexual orientation, the majority of LGBTQ+ people identify as bisexual. Gallup reports that over 58% of all LGBTQ+ adults in the U.S. identify as bisexual.

Top States for LGBTQ+ Residents:

Washington, D.C., takes the lead, with 14.3% of adults identifying as LGBTQ+. Other states with significant percentages include Oregon, Delaware, Vermont, New Hampshire, Washington, Colorado, Maine, Nevada, and Massachusetts.

As our understanding and acceptance of diverse identities grow, these findings provide valuable insights into where LGBTQ+ individuals live across the U.S.

State-wise LGBTQ+ Presence:

Certain states stand out for having more LGBTQ+ residents than others. The leaders in this regard are Washington, D.C., Oregon, and Delaware. The report breaks down the percentages of LGBTQ+ residents in various states. Here's a glimpse:

• 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%

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