Survey Highlights Changes in American Attitudes Towards LGBTQ+ Community

Survey Highlights Changes in American Attitudes Towards LGBTQ+ Community

A recent survey conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago for The Times, funded by the California Endowment, highlights significant shifts in American attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals over the years. The poll, a follow-up to a pioneering 1985 survey, revealed marked increases in acceptance of gay and lesbian people while also exposing lingering hesitancy towards transgender and nonbinary individuals.

Key findings include:
– Support for Gay and Lesbian Relationships: In 1985, 73% of respondents viewed gay and lesbian relationships as wrong; in 2024, this figure has dropped to 28%.
– Workplace Protections: Support for workplace protections for gay and lesbian individuals has risen from 51% in 1985 to 77% in 2024.
– Comfort Levels: While 35% were “uncomfortable around gays” in 1985, this question was deemed unnecessary in the recent poll due to increased acceptance.
– Interpersonal Connections: 72% of adults reported knowing someone who identified as gay or lesbian, compared to only 27% for transgender or nonbinary individuals.

Despite these gains, the poll reflects problematic attitudes towards the transgender and nonbinary community:
– Parental Acceptance: If a child came out as trans or nonbinary, 48% of respondents would feel very or somewhat upset, compared to 33% for gay or lesbian.
– Media Exposure: Only 16% considered increased media attention on trans and nonbinary issues as positive, while 40% viewed it negatively.

The results underscore ongoing challenges and varied acceptance levels within the broader LGBTQ+ community.