A survey conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago for The Times shows contrasting views among Americans regarding laws on gender-affirming care for transgender children, parental acceptance of transgender identity, and transgender participation in sports, reflecting the ongoing cultural debates over LGBTQ+ rights.
Americans are deeply divided on issues concerning transgender and nonbinary children, according to a nationwide poll conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago for The Times. Key respondents included Carrie Howell, a 33-year-old automotive technician from rural Georgia, and Darcy Quimby, 56, from Palm Desert, California. The poll reveals that 54% of U.S. adults favor laws to prevent transgender children under 18 from receiving gender-affirming care such as surgery or puberty blockers, while 44% oppose such laws.
The survey indicated that 48% of people would be upset if their child identified as transgender, contrasting with 51% who would not. Additionally, 54% believe schools should respect a student’s wish not to disclose their transgender identity to parents, whereas 44% think parents should always be informed. Among LGBTQ+ adults surveyed, 82% support respecting the student’s wishes.
The poll highlighted significant generational and political divides, with older adults and Republicans more likely to be upset by a child identifying as transgender. In contrast, younger individuals and Democrats showed greater acceptance.
The survey also addressed societal views on transgender participation in sports and found two-thirds of adults oppose transgender girls and women participating in girls’ or women’s sports teams.
The findings come at a time when LGBTQ+ rights are a focal point in U.S. culture wars, reflecting ongoing tensions and differing perspectives about the acceptance and rights of transgender and nonbinary individuals.
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