GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Homophobia In America Statistics: Market Report & Data

Highlights: Homophobia In America Statistics

  • 46 percent of Americans think being gay or lesbian is socially acceptable, according to a 2017 poll.
  • Nearly 9 in 10 LGBTQ youth reported receiving homophobic language by peers at school.
  • 67% of non-LGBTQ adults report being 'comfortable' with LGBTQ people, a 3 percent decrease from 2018.
  • 92% of LGBTQ adults say society has become more accepting in the past ten years.
  • One in three LGBTQ adults faced discrimination of some kind in the past year.
  • About 29% of LGBT adults, compared with 21% of non-LGBT adults, said that they had been made to feel unwelcome in a place of worship.
  • 40% of all homeless youth in America identify as LGBTQ.
  • 64% of transgender people have experienced discrimination in the workplace.
  • Black LGBT Americans were the most likely group to experience violence or threats in the past year.
  • 57% of LGBTQ people said they or an LGBTQ friend/ family member have been threatened or non-sexually harassed.
  • Overall, 58% of LGBTQ gun violence victims were killed with a handgun.
  • Americans' comfort levels with LGBTQ people dropped for the first time in four years during 2017.
  • In 2020, nearly two-thirds of LGBTQ students reported being bullied or harassed at school because of their sexual orientation.
  • More than 60% of gay and lesbian students who experienced harassment or assault at school did not report the incident to school staff.
  • An estimated 3.5% of adults in the United States identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual and an estimated 0.3% of adults are transgender.
  • 30 states lack modern, fully-inclusive LGBTQ non-discrimination protections as of 2020.

Our Newsletter

The Business Week In Data

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!

Table of Contents

The issue of homophobia in America is an ongoing concern that impacts countless lives. Examining statistical data concerning this issue is essential for understanding its scope and implications. This blog post will delve into the comprehensive exploration of available data and recent surveys on homophobia in America. It aims to shed light on the prevalence of discriminatory attitudes, experiences of hate crimes, and changes in societal acceptance towards the LGBTQ+ community over the years. Such an overview will provide valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and anyone interested in human rights and social equality issues.

The Latest Homophobia In America Statistics Unveiled

46 percent of Americans think being gay or lesbian is socially acceptable, according to a 2017 poll.

The statistic ’46 percent of Americans think being gay or lesbian is socially acceptable, according to a 2017 poll’ serves as an essential heart-beat sounding the current pulse of societal acceptance in the nation, delineating the boundaries of prejudice in an ongoing struggle to shatter homophobic stereotypes. This number is no mere statistic, but represents the attitudes of millions, a tangible measure of acceptance shaking within the compass of America’s social terrain, and a crucial guidepost in charting the course of discussions on homophobia within the country. This very percentile offers insights to the duality of thought still prevalent in our society, reminding us how vital it is to continue educating in the hopes of increasing acceptance and decreasing homophobia in the landscape of America.

Nearly 9 in 10 LGBTQ youth reported receiving homophobic language by peers at school.

Shining a sobering light on the pervasive issue of homophobia among America’s youth, the statistic that almost 9 out of 10 LGBTQ youth have experienced homophobic slurs at school underscores the alarming everyday reality of this community. This unsparing data underscores the urgent need for collective societal, educational and legislative reform to create safer environments for LGBTQ youth. It’s a dire call-to-action for America to uproot these deep-seated prejudices, as the experiences during formative school years can significantly impact the mental health and overall well-being of these individuals. This statistic, therefore, becomes a pivotal part of the discourse in this blog post and must be seen as a catalyst to incite change and awareness about homophobia in American society.

67% of non-LGBTQ adults report being ‘comfortable’ with LGBTQ people, a 3 percent decrease from 2018.

The revealing slip of the ‘comfortability’ percentage of non-LGBTQ adults towards LGBTQ people (from 70% in 2018 to 67%) paints an unsettling portrait of growing discomfort and potential homophobia in America. Situated within a blog post dealing with Homophobia In America Statistics, this marked slide serves as a powerful spotlight on the gnawing distress in society – a seemingly subtle regression, yet a statistically significant one, cautioning us about an intensifying undercurrent of intolerance or misunderstanding which warrants urgent dialogue and intervention.

92% of LGBTQ adults say society has become more accepting in the past ten years.

Illuminating a hopeful shift in societal attitudes, the statistic showing that 92% of LGBTQ adults perceive an increase in acceptance within the last decade serves as a beacon of progress in a blog post about Homophobia in America. In contrast to bleak narratives of homophobia, this statistic depicts an evolving landscape of acceptance, potentially inspiring more individuals to challenge discriminatory attitudes while eliciting optimism amongst those who had once felt marginalized. Through this, it underscores the significance of increased visibility, advocacy, and legislation in propelling substantial societal changes. However, against this positivity, the undeniable challenges that remain in the battle for LGBTQ+ rights in America cannot be dismissed, making it an imperative catalyst to inspire continued fight against homophobia.

One in three LGBTQ adults faced discrimination of some kind in the past year.

Highlighting that one in three LGBTQ adults have faced discrimination in the past year, underscores the gravity of the homophobia issue in America. It accentuates the societal challenges these individuals confront daily, giving the problems of prejudice, inequality, and harassment a real, quantifiable face. By integrating this substantial statistic into the narrative, the blog not only sheds light on the persistent heteronormative biases within our society but also provides an urgent call to sweep away these destructive vestiges of homophobia in order to foster a more inclusive, empathetic, and accepting country for all.

About 29% of LGBT adults, compared with 21% of non-LGBT adults, said that they had been made to feel unwelcome in a place of worship.

Delving into the unsettling reality of homophobia in America, an alarming statistic reveals that approximately 29% of LGBT adults feel explicitly avoided in places of worship, as opposed to 21% of non-LGBT adults. This statistical disparity underscores the underlying prejudice that continues to stain religious spaces, reflecting an environment that is significantly less welcoming for LGBT individuals. In stark contrast to the safe haven that places of worship are supposed to represent, these figures symbolize how homophobia infiltrates even the most sacred of spaces. Therefore, it is a pressing issue in American society, serving as critical proof of the prejudice experienced by the LGBT community in their quest for spiritual fulfillment.

40% of all homeless youth in America identify as LGBTQ.

The staggering statistic of ‘40% of all homeless youth in America identifying as LGBTQ’ paints a harrowing picture of America’s grappling with homophobia. In a society where the LGBTQ population comprises a significantly smaller fraction, this overrepresentation of LGBTQ youth among the homeless is a haunting testament of the persecutions they often face. This figure, serving as a silent scream from the marginalized, implores in-depth exploration and action against societal prejudice and fear that is manifesting as young individuals being driven to homelessness due to their sexual orientation.

64% of transgender people have experienced discrimination in the workplace.

The pulsating pain of discrimination faced by transgender people in the workplace, depicted by a shocking statistic of 64%, lays bare the pervasive nature of prejudice even in spaces where merit should reign supreme. Weaving this glaring statistic into a blog post about Homophobia In America not only underscores the embodied struggle of transgender people, but also raises a profound question about the broader LGBTQ+ community’s journey for equality. It adds weight to the argument, illustrating the multi-faceted nature of homophobia that extends beyond sexual orientation, influencing society’s perception of individuals who dare to defy traditional gender norms. This paints a broader picture of homophobia, highlighting the uneasy journey faced by anyone who deviates from the heterosexual and cisgender norm in America.

Black LGBT Americans were the most likely group to experience violence or threats in the past year.

In delving into the stark reality of Homophobia In America Statistics, the disquieting prevalence of violence or threats experienced by Black LGBT Americans within the past year brings forth a poignant truth. This noteworthy statistic is a somber underscore, highlighting the intersectional struggle that individuals in this community face magnified by race and sexual orientation. It shatters the silence on the double burden of racism and homophobia that Black LGBT Americans endure, thereby emphasizing the urgent need to navigate a discourse centered on imbuing tolerance, equality, and safety for all, irrespective of race or sexuality.

57% of LGBTQ people said they or an LGBTQ friend/ family member have been threatened or non-sexually harassed.

Unveiling a striking narrative with this figure — 57% of LGBTQ individuals report that they, or someone close to them in the LGBTQ community, have been threatened or non-sexually harassed — imparts urgency to the discussion in the blog post concerning the prevalence of homophobia in America. Such a statistic not only showcases the endemic prejudice faced by this demographic but also delivers a call to action, highlighting the persistent need for broader societal change, protective legislation, and increased awareness to counteract such deep-rooted discrimination and foster an environment of acceptance.

Overall, 58% of LGBTQ gun violence victims were killed with a handgun.

Delving into the poignant figures, it’s rather alarming to unearth that a staggering 58% of LGBTQ gun violence victims met their untimely end via a handgun. This statistic, embedded in the sombre tapestry of Homophobia in America, provides a stark illumination of the lethal interface between societal prejudice, accessibility of weapons, and the vulnerability of the LGBTQ community. As they say, numbers don’t lie and with 58% being more than just a statistic, it is a grim clarion call demanding for urgent policy intervention, and societal revaluation of attitudes towards homophobia and the possession of handguns. The undeniable interconnection of these issues merits holistic exploration and resolution to protect the rights and lives of this marginalized community.

Americans’ comfort levels with LGBTQ people dropped for the first time in four years during 2017.

The eye-opening revelation that Americans’ comfort levels with LGBTQ individuals saw a drop in 2017 for the first time in four years provides crucial insight into the state of homophobia in American society. Amid the sea of progress and positive change, this statistic serves as a jarring wake-up call, underscoring the existence of persisting prejudices and fears. In a blog post concerned with the understanding and quantifying of homophobia, such a statistic becomes the bedrock, a tangible piece of evidence that epitomizes the growing challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals, reminding us that acceptance is not linear and must not be taken for granted. Hence, in navigating the landscape of homophobia across America, mapping out strategies to combat it, and measuring our sociocultural progress, this statistic is firmly ingrained in the narrative.

In 2020, nearly two-thirds of LGBTQ students reported being bullied or harassed at school because of their sexual orientation.

The unsettling reality illustrated by the statistic — in 2020, nearly two-thirds of LGBTQ students experienced bullying or harassment at school due to their sexual orientation — provides a stark tableau of the enduring homophobia prevalent in American educational institutions. This insidious problem, quantifiable in its pervasiveness, stands as a grim testament to the struggle precariously navigated by a considerable number of young individuals within America’s LGBTQ population. Crucial in disentangling the magnitude of the issue, this objectively measured fact couples a necessary and human face to a conversation often stripped of personal narrative, thus underlining the urgency and importance of rectifying homophobia within America’s hallways of learning.

More than 60% of gay and lesbian students who experienced harassment or assault at school did not report the incident to school staff.

Highlighting that over 60% of gay and lesbian students who face harassment or assault don’t report the incidents is a daunting reflection of the level of fear and lack of trust in our educational institutions. In our journey to cover Homophobia In America Statistics, this unsettling percentage charts the concerning fact that our school environments, which are supposed to foster safety and inclusivity, are falling short for these marginalized students. Moreover, it underscores the necessity for immediate intervention in the form of better resources, improved support systems, and policy changes to encourage these students to feel safe enough to report such incidents while also ensuring protection against hate and discrimination.

An estimated 3.5% of adults in the United States identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual and an estimated 0.3% of adults are transgender.

Delineating the significance of the aforementioned statistic, one can observe it as a lens depicting the heterogeneity of sexual orientation and gender identities across the vast populace of America. By demonstrating that a substantial segment of the population identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, it propels the conversation to the forefront, challenging unequal societal attitudes (like homophobia) towards such groups. The statistic, thus, serves as a potent instrument highlighting the exigency to eliminate discrimination and strive towards a more comprehensive, sensible understanding of the myriad spectrums of sexuality and gender, ultimately fostering inclusivity in the American society.

30 states lack modern, fully-inclusive LGBTQ non-discrimination protections as of 2020.

Shining a spotlight on the statistic which states that 30 states, as of 2020, do not offer modern, fully-inclusive LGBTQ non-discrimination protections, underscores the pervasive nature and extent of institutionalized homophobia in America. It paints a somber picture of the harsh realities many LGBTQ individuals face daily, leaving them vulnerable to discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. This statistic amplifies the need for accelerated advocacy efforts aimed at implementing comprehensive policy changes, fostering acceptance and inclusivity and bridging the inequality gap – an important discussion to be had within the context of homophobia in America.

Conclusion

The comprehensive analysis of statistics related to homophobia in America reveals that while progress has been made in recent years towards greater acceptance and understanding, significant challenges remain. The data underscores that discriminatory attitudes and experiences of physical and psychological violence are a stark reality for many LGBTQ+ individuals in America. Encouragingly, increased awareness and educational efforts have contributed to declining rates of homophobia, however, there’s an alarming disparity across geographical areas and demographics. This calls for targeted interventions and policies to foster acceptance and inclusivity, as we work towards equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation.

References

0. – https://www.www.hrc.org

1. – https://www.www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

2. – https://www.freedomforallamericans.org

3. – https://www.www.prri.org

4. – https://www.news.gallup.com

5. – https://www.www.pewsocialtrends.org

6. – https://www.www.glsen.org

7. – https://www.everytownresearch.org

8. – https://www.www.pewresearch.org

9. – https://www.www.glaad.org

10. – https://www.www.truecolorsunited.org

FAQs

What percentage of Americans reported experiencing homophobia in 2020?

The exact percentage varies by source and by how one defines "experiencing homophobia," but the FBI reported that in 2019, about 20% of hate crimes were motivated by bias against sexual orientation or gender identity.

Has the prevalence of homophobia amongst Americans changed in the last years?

Over the past several decades, societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals have generally become more accepting in the USA. However, hate crimes and discrimination still impact this community at disproportionate rates.

Are certain regions in the U.S. more associated with homophobia than others?

Generally, Southern and Midwestern states report higher levels of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment compared to Coastal and Northern states. However, homophobia exists all over the country in varying degrees.

Do younger Americans generally show less homophobic attitudes compared to older generations?

On average, younger Americans tend to express more acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals. According to a 2019 poll by the Public Religion Research Institute, 76% of adults aged 18-29 were in favor of same-sex marriage compared to about 56% of adults aged 65 and older.

What is the relationship between education level and attitudes towards homosexuality?

Generally, higher levels of education are associated with more liberal attitudes towards homosexuality. The Public Religion Research Institute found in 2017 that 79% of adults with postgraduate education favored same-sex marriage, compared to 59% with high school education or less.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!