Full Breakdown
Rising LGBTQ+ Identification in the U.S.: A Decade of Change
2/19/2026, 2:43:08 AM
Core Findings from Gallup's 2025 Poll
According to a Gallup poll conducted in 2025, approximately 9% of U.S. adults identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or another non-heterosexual identity. This figure is consistent with the previous year but represents a significant increase from the 3.5% recorded in 2012, the first year Gallup measured LGBTQ+ identities. The poll, which included over 13,000 telephone interviews, revealed that 86% of respondents identified as heterosexual, while 5% chose not to respond.
Demographic Insights
The data indicates that LGBTQ+ identification is notably higher among younger adults, with 23% of individuals aged 18-29 identifying as LGBTQ+. This percentage decreases with age, dropping to 10.4% among those aged 30-49, and further to 3.1% for individuals aged 50-64, and 2.3% for those aged 65 and older. Gender differences are also evident, as 10.5% of women identify as LGBTQ+ compared to 5.6% of men. Political affiliation plays a role as well, with 14.2% of Democrats identifying as LGBTQ+ versus only 1.9% of Republicans.
Trends in LGBTQ+ Identity
Bisexuality remains the most common identity among those who identify as LGBTQ+, accounting for 58.6% of this group, which translates to approximately 5.3% of the total U.S. adult population. Other identities include 17% identifying as gay, 16% as lesbian, and 12% as transgender. The increase in LGBTQ+ identification has been particularly pronounced among younger generations, especially women, with bisexual identification growing from 3.1% in 2020 to the current 5.3%.
Implications of Rising Identification
The rise in LGBTQ+ identification reflects broader societal changes, particularly among Generation Z, who are more likely to embrace diverse sexual orientations. As this generation continues to reach adulthood, the percentage of individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ is expected to increase further. This trend contrasts sharply with older generations, where LGBTQ+ identification remains relatively low.
Official Statements & Responses
Gallup's findings highlight a significant cultural shift in the U.S., with more individuals openly identifying as LGBTQ+. The organization noted that the increase in identification is primarily driven by younger adults and women, suggesting a generational change in attitudes toward sexual orientation and identity.
Criticism & Opposition
While the data indicates a growing acceptance and identification of LGBTQ+ individuals, some critics argue that the increase may reflect social pressures to conform to contemporary norms rather than a genuine change in identity. This perspective is particularly prevalent among conservative groups, who may view the rise in LGBTQ+ identification as a challenge to traditional values.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Bisexual identity has consistently been the most common LGBTQ+ identity and has grown sharply since Gallup began measuring lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender identities as separate categories in 2020.” — Gallup
The findings from Gallup's 2025 poll underscore a significant cultural shift in the United States regarding LGBTQ+ identification, particularly among younger demographics.
