[Image: Madonna, who flew home from Paris to cast her vote]
A recent poll conducted by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation has revealed a striking disparity in voter registration rates between LGBTQ+ adults and the general U.S. population. The survey indicates that an impressive 95% of LGBTQ+ adults in the United States are registered to vote, in contrast to the 69% registration rate among the general adult population, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Moreover, the survey highlights a strong motivation among LGBTQ+ voters for participating in today’s elections, with 93% expressing their intent to vote. This heightened engagement among the LGBTQ+ community underscores their influence as a formidable voting bloc in U.S. politics.
The LGBTQ+ population, while constituting approximately 7.1% of the U.S. demographic according to a 2022 Gallup poll, wields considerable political influence, particularly among younger generations where representation is notably higher. The robust voter registration and intended participation may partly be attributed to the LGBTQ+ community’s significant history of social activism, driven by a longstanding commitment to securing and protecting civil rights through various channels including protests, lobbying, and grassroots efforts.
Historically, the LGBTQ+ community has achieved significant milestones ranging from marriage equality to expanded protections against hate crimes—gains that remain contingent in the face of ongoing legal and societal challenges. Current concerns relate to enduring issues such as inconsistent access to employer healthcare for same-sex couples, inadequate workplace protections, and recent legal validations allowing businesses to refuse services based on sexual orientation. The latter was notably reaffirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2024, highlighting the precarious status of LGBTQ+ rights.
A key factor contributing to the current mobilisation within the LGBTQ+ community is the controversial Project 2025, a policy proposed by the ultra-conservative Heritage Foundation. This platform has raised alarms due to its potential to repeal established rights for sexual minorities, aligning with certain conservative values that oppose same-sex marriage and seek broader policy overhauls. The implications of Project 2025 have added urgency to the 2024 elections, with many LGBTQ+ individuals perceiving a direct threat to their rights and well-being.
Despite alliances predominantly with Democratic candidates, the LGBTQ+ community’s political engagements reflect a complex landscape where support is not monolithic. While Democrats are generally seen as allies, not all have actively championed LGBTQ+ rights, whereas some Republicans have shown unexpected support despite pressures from conservative constituents. This dynamic creates challenges for LGBTQ+ voters who often find themselves choosing between insufficiently supportive options.
The extensive voter engagement anticipated from the LGBTQ+ community suggests an ongoing commitment to advocacy within the political arena. Professors Alex Bitterman and Daniel B. Hess, both experts in their respective fields, have noted the community’s profound experience in confronting social discrimination and mobilising for change, qualities that continue to influence their political participation and the broader struggle for equal rights in American society.
Source: Noah Wire Services
