Catalina Espinosa
Research expert covering society, economy, and politics for Europe and the EU
Homosexuality in the United States - Statistics & Facts
In a recent survey conducted among Americans, 7.2 percent of respondents identified themselves as part of the LGBT community. Over recent decades, studies have shown that American society has grown more welcoming or accepting to members of this community, however discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is still a serious concern in the United States. In 2001, 53 percent of respondents stated they believe gay or lesbian relations to be morally wrong, but in 2022 this number had fallen to 25 percent.
Political division in the U.S.
These shifting attitudes can be reflected in American politics. Since taking office, the Biden administration has prioritized the expansion of LGBT rights and protections, many of which had been rolled back during the preceding four years. In recent decades, the most significant steps forwards for the LGBT communities were taken under the Obama administration. Although originally opposing gay marriage, President Obama changed his stance to support same-sex marriage during his re-election campaign in 2012; while a majority of surveyed voters said this decision did not affect their opinion of him, almost half of Republican respondents stated their opinion of him had become less favorable. Today, 89 percent of young American adults support same-sex marriage.Global attitudes
Attitudes towards homosexuality vary by region or country, though global trends generally suggest that acceptance of homosexuality is increasing. Overall, acceptance of the LGBT community is highest in Europe, Argentina, and Canada, where more than 70 percent of the public declaring that support same-sex marriage by society, with the Netherlands heading the ranking. Trends vary across Europe, however, with respondents in Eastern Europe being less tolerant of the LGBT community, particularly in Poland and Hungary. In spite of the progress made in recent years, homosexual activity remains criminalized in 68 countries, mostly in the Middle-East, Africa, and Asia. In 11 countries, the death penalty is imposed or at least a possibility for private, consensual same-sex sexual activity.
