In 2021, around ** percent of individuals living in the District of Columbia identified as LGBT. Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, and Oregon also had high rates, exceeding *** percent. Mississippi and North Dakota had the lowest rates of LGBT populations, the only states with less than **** percent.

In 2023, 7.6 percent of adults surveyed in the United States stated they identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). This is an increase from 2012, when 3.5 percent of surveyed adults identified as LGBT. These four categories are among the most common sexual orientations and gender identities outside cis-heterosexuals.

Differences across ages and genders 

Zooming in, it is possible to see how the share of people identifying as LGBT changed considerably according to different demographics. Only two percent of Baby Boomers, indeed, reported being part of the LGBT community. On the other hand, among Generation Z individuals, this share reached almost 16 percent. Moreover, surveys suggest that women were more likely to identify as LGBT than men.

An ever-understanding society 

The fact that an increasing amount of people feel free and safe to openly identify as LGBT might be a consequence of the improved acceptance of the different sexual orientations and genders by the American people at large. While in 2001 more than half of U.S. citizens considered homosexual relationships to be morally wrong, 20 years later this percentage dropped to 30 percent. Support for same-sex marriage has also been consistently increasing, even among traditionally conservative political groups. Despite this, it is important to remember that every year hundreds of people are still victims of hate crimes in the United States simply because of their gender or sexual orientation.

Check out the top 100 LGBT-friendly cities in the world, based on LGBT nightlife, openness, safety, rights and more.

In a global survey conducted in 2023, ***** percent of respondents from 30 countries declared that they were homosexual, gay, or lesbian, with **** percent who identified as bisexual. *** percent of the interviewees said that they were pansexual or omnisexual. Pansexuality describes people who feel attracted to other people regardless of their biological sex, gender, or gender identity, whereas omnisexuality refers to people attracted to people of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Finally, *** percent of respondents were asexual, which means they experience little to no sexual attraction to anyone, regardless of their gender. LGBT people around the world LGBT stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. Introduced in the 1990s, LGBT generally includes anyone who is not heterosexual or cisgender. Heterosexual refers to a person attracted to people of the opposite gender, whereas cisgender describes a person whose gender identity is the same as their sex at birth. Acceptance of other gender identities and sexual orientations is usually higher in Western countries. In a study conducted among 34 countries, acceptance of homosexuality was higher in Sweden, the Netherlands, and Spain. Homosexuality in African countries Worldwide, 71 countries criminalize homosexuality as of 2021, most of which are located in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. In Africa, 32 out of 54 countries criminalize homosexuality. In four countries, the legislation imposed the death penalty for sexual relations between people of the same sex. In fact, in most African countries, homosexuality has low levels of acceptance, or is not accepted at all. In a recent survey, most respondents in Africa showed high levels of intolerance towards LGBT+ in their vicinity.

In a global survey conducted in 2023, three percent of respondents declared to be homosexual, gay, or lesbian. In Brazil and the Netherlands, for instance, nine percent, instead, identified as bisexual, representing the largest group of bisexual respondents among the 30 surveyed countries. Moreover, two percent of the interviewees in Switzerland said to be pansexual or omnisexual. Pansexuality describes people who feel attracted to other people regardless of their biological sex, gender, or gender identity, whereas omnisexuality refers to people attracted to people of all gender identities and sexual orientations.

According to a global survey conducted in 2021, three in 10 respondents had at least once spoken out against someone who was being prejudiced against LGBT+ people. In addition, some 13 percent attended a public event in support of LGBT+ people, e.g. a Pride march.

Abstract Violence against LGBT people has always been present in our society. Brazil is the country with the highest number of lethal crimes against LGBT people in the world. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of homicides of LGBT people in Brazil using spatial analysis. The LGBT homicide rate was used to facilitate the visualization of the geographical distribution of homicides. Public thoroughfares and the victim’s home were the most common places of occurrence. The most commonly used methods for killing male homosexuals and transgender people were cold weapons and firearms, respectively; however, homicides frequently involved beatings, suffocation, and other cruelties. The large majority of victims were aged between 20 and 49 years and typically white or brown. The North, Northeast and Central-West regions, precisely the regions with the lowest HDI, presented LGBT homicide rates above the national rate. LGBT homicides are typically hate crimes and constitute a serious public health problem because they affect young people, particularly transgender people. This problem needs to be addressed by the government, starting with the criminalization of homophobia and the subsequent formulation of public policies to reduce hate crimes and promote respect for diversity.

Malta was rated the safest travel destination for members of the LGBT community, according to a 2023 ranking. With 13 points, the European country outperformed Canada and Switzerland - the following safest countries in the list. Out of the 12 best-performing countries that year, eight are located in Europe.

LGBT rights in Canada

Back in 2005, Canada was the fourth country worldwide to legalize same-sex marriage. The North American nation is in the vanguard of LGBT rights and has passed multiple laws assuring equality for this group, such as allowing adoption by same-sex couples, protecting transgender rights, and banning conversion therapy. Meanwhile, its land neighbor, the United States, had the share of the population that identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender increased steadily between 2012 and 2021.

Acceptance around the globe

According to a survey conducted in 2021 in 27 countries, opinions on the rights of same-sex couples varied greatly around the world. Western European and American nations were particularly supportive of marriage or, failing that, some form of legal recognition for homosexual couples.

Between 2021 and 2023, support for same-sex marriage declined in 14 out of 23 surveyed countries worldwide. The major drops were seen in Canada and Germany, where the share of respondents agreeing with same-sex marriage went down six percentage points. Still, over 60 percent of respondents in those two countries supported it.

The way to legalization

As of 2021, 30 countries have legalized same-sex marriages, most of them located in Western Europe. Switzerland was the latest to do so after a referendum, while the second to last was Costa Rica, as the only Central American country. While most countries have legalized same-sex marriage through legislation, in South Africa and Taiwan, this was enacted via courts' mandates. Taiwan and South Africa are the first and so far only countries in their continent to have legalized same-sex marriage.

Hostility and criminalization

The support and legalization of same-sex marriages is growing, and the acceptance of homosexuality is slowly but steadily increasing in more hostile countries. In Nigeria, for instance, homosexuality is a crime punishable with the death penalty. Despite a small increase, only seven percent of people believe that homosexuality should be accepted by society. Africa, Asia, and the Middle East are still the most dangerous world regions for homosexuals. In fact, 71 countries still criminalize homosexuality, and most of them are located in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Context

Every year, along with the State-Sponsored Homophobia report, ILGA World publishes also maps of sexual orientation laws in the world.

https://ilga.org/maps-sexual-orientation-laws

Content

A useful tool for LGB human rights defenders, these images expose the arbitrariness of persecutory laws, and starkly indicate the absence of positive law in most parts of the world.

https://ilga.org/maps-sexual-orientation-laws

Acknowledgements

https://ilga.org/maps-sexual-orientation-laws

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

Inspiration

LGBTQIA community.

"The negative attitudes and feelings toward homosexuality or people who are identified or perceived as being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT). The prejudice, aversion, hatred or antipathy, may be based on irrational fear and ignorance, and is often related to religious beliefs against LGBTQIA community." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homophobia

LGBTQ Pride Gifts Market Outlook

The global LGBTQ pride gifts market size was valued at approximately USD 1.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach about USD 2.6 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2024 to 2032. This significant growth is attributed to increasing social acceptance and visibility of LGBTQ communities, which have spurred demand for various pride-themed products. The market is driven by factors such as rising awareness and support for LGBTQ rights, increasing disposable incomes, and a growing number of pride events worldwide.

One of the primary growth factors for the LGBTQ pride gifts market is the increasing global acceptance and recognition of LGBTQ rights. Over the years, numerous countries have made significant progress in legalizing same-sex marriages, adopting anti-discrimination laws, and promoting equal rights for LGBTQ individuals. This societal shift towards inclusivity has not only empowered LGBTQ individuals but also fueled the demand for pride-themed merchandise. Corporations and brands are increasingly aligning themselves with LGBTQ causes, which further boosts the market for pride gifts.

Another key driver is the rising disposable incomes and purchasing power of LGBTQ individuals. As more LGBTQ individuals come out and live openly, they contribute significantly to the economy. According to various studies, the LGBTQ community is a lucrative market segment with substantial spending power. This financial capability enables them to purchase unique and personalized pride gifts, leading to market growth. Additionally, brands are increasingly targeting LGBTQ consumers with tailored marketing campaigns, which helps in market expansion.

The proliferation of pride events, parades, and festivals worldwide is also a significant growth factor for the LGBTQ pride gifts market. These events celebrate LGBTQ culture and serve as platforms for expressing individual identities. They attract large crowds, including allies and supporters, who purchase pride-themed merchandise to show solidarity. The seasonal demand peaks during pride months in various countries, driving sales and boosting the market. The increasing frequency and scale of these events provide a substantial market opportunity for vendors of pride gifts.

From a regional perspective, North America holds the largest market share in the LGBTQ pride gifts market, driven by strong social acceptance and well-established pride events. The region is home to some of the most influential LGBTQ communities and organizations, which advocate for equal rights and visibility. Europe follows closely, with countries like Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands leading in terms of social acceptance and pride celebrations. Asia Pacific is emerging as a significant market due to rapid urbanization, modernization, and increasing awareness about LGBTQ rights. However, cultural and legal barriers in certain countries may pose challenges to market growth in this region.

Product Type Analysis

In the LGBTQ pride gifts market, product type plays a crucial role in determining consumer preferences and sales. Apparel is one of the most popular categories, encompassing items like T-shirts, hoodies, and hats adorned with pride symbols and messages. These items are not only fashionable but also serve as a form of self-expression and solidarity. The demand for pride-themed apparel sees a significant surge during pride months and events, making it a lucrative segment in the market.

Accessories, including jewelry, pins, bags, and footwear, form another significant segment. These items allow individuals to incorporate pride elements into their everyday attire subtly. The versatility and variety of accessories make them appealing to a broad audience, including those who may prefer less conspicuous displays of pride. The ongoing trend of personalized and custom-made accessories further boosts this segment, as consumers seek unique items that reflect their identities.

Home decor items, such as flags, posters, cushions, and other decorative pieces, also contribute notably to the market. These products enable individuals to infuse their living spaces with pride themes, creating environments that reflect their identities and beliefs. The increasing trend of home personalization and the growing popularity of home-based gatherings and pride celebrations have positively impacted this segment.

Stationery items, including notebooks, planners, and greeting cards, are another important category. These products appeal to consumers who wish to inte

ObjectivesTo assess ecological, structural, community and individual level correlates of health services utilization along a continuum of HIV care, and sexual health and support services among gay and bisexual men worldwide.MethodsUsing a nonprobability internet sample of 6,135 gay and bisexual men, we assessed correlates of utilization of health services. Chi-Square Tests of Independence were performed to assess drop off along a continuum of HIV care. Multivariable logistic regression analyses using generalized estimating equation models were conducted adjusting for geographic region and clustering by country. In multivariable analyses, we determined the association between utilization outcomes, and ecologic, structural, community and individual correlates by fitting separate generalized estimating equation (GEE) logistic regression models for each of the outcomes, fitted with robust SEs, and accounting for clustering by country. Stratified by sexual identity, analyses adjusted for variables that could influence HIV-related health outcomes including racial/ethnic minority status, participant age, insurance, ability to make ends meet, as well as country-level income (income of country of residence defined by the World Bank).ResultsAmong men living with HIV (n = 1001), being in HIV care (n = 867) was associated with being on ART (X2 = 191.17, p < .001), and viral load suppression (X2 = 14.03, p < .001); and using ART (n = 840) was associated viral load suppression (X2 = 21.66, p < .001). Overall, the pattern of utilization outcomes were similar for both gay and bisexual men. For example, utilization of PrEP, being in HIV care and utilization of most of the sexual health and support services were negatively associated with sexual stigma. Whereas, utilization of most HIV prevention, and sexual health and support services were positively associated with provider discrimination. Utilization of all HIV prevention and all sexual health services were positively associated with greater community engagement, and receiving services from LGBT-led organizations. Bisexual men had higher odds of reporting provider discrimination when utilizing condom services (gay: AOR = 1.14, [0.95–1.36]; bisexual: 1.58, [1.10–2.28]), PrEP (gay: AOR = 1.06, [0.77–1.45]; bisexual: AOR = 2.14, [1.18–3.89], mental health services (gay: AOR = 1.03, [0.86–1.23]; bisexual: AOR = 1.32, [1.07–1.64]), and community-based support (gay: AOR = 1.23, [1.05–1.45]; bisexual: AOR = 1.49, [1.14–1.93]) than gay men. Bisexual men also reported higher odds of accessing services from LGBT-led organizations when utilizing PrEP (gay: AOR = 5.26, [2.50–11.05]; bisexual: AOR = 7.12, [3.16–16.04]), and community-based support/self-help groups/individual counseling (gay: AOR = 2.63, [1.72–4.01]; bisexual: AOR = 3.35, [2.30–4.88].ConclusionsIt is essential that barriers to health services utilization be addressed at structural and community levels. Structural interventions should be designed to reduce sexual stigma, as well as train and sensitize healthcare providers; and strengthen community level interventions that bring gay and bisexual men together to lead comprehensive health services.

Over the 2015-2018 period, nearly ******* people aged over ** defined themselves as something other than heterosexual in Canada: ******* identified as lesbian or gay, while ******* identified as bisexual. The provinces with the largest number of non-heterosexuals people were Ontario and Quebec, which are also the most populous provinces in the country. In addition, with the exception of Quebec, bisexual people outnumbered lesbian or gay people in all provinces.

As of April 2024, 55 percent of the LGBT population lived in the 50 states and the District of Columbia where private health insurance service providers weren't allowed to deny coverage for transgender-related health care services, such as sex reassignment surgery. However, only 40 percent lived in states where health insurance protections included sexual orientation and gender identity.

LGBT Americans The share of Americans self-identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender has grown in recent years. This suggests that insurance protections which cover LGBT-related health care services will also continue to grow in importance. The prevalence of younger Americans self-identifying as LGBT when compared with older generations confirms this. Millennials and Gen Xers are much more likely to personally identify as LGBT than previous generations were. Growing acceptance and tolerance in wider society means that more people are willing to be open about their gender identity and sexual orientation. For instance, support for same-sex marriage in the U.S. underwent a huge shift over the past two decades with the majority of Americans being in favor of it since 2011.

Worldwide, **** in 10 respondents support LGBT people being open about their sexual orientation or gender identity with everyone. In a global survey conducted in 2024, ** percent of respondents stated this. In addition, ** percent of interviewees supported openly lesbian, gay and bisexual athletes to be part of sports teams.

In 2024, 14.2 percent of Millennials in the United States stated that they identify as LGBTQ+, while in 2012, less than six percent of respondents from the same generation said the same. Members of Generation Z were the most likely to identify as LGBTQ+, at over 23 percent.

Same-sex marriage was legalized in Ecuador in 2019. Since then, 1,712 same-sex weddings have taken place. In 2023, only 342 of the 56,546 marriages registered in the country were between people of the same sex.

According to the Gay Travel Index published in March 2023, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Chechnya, and Afghanistan were the most dangerous places for LGBT tourists. Each of these nations obtained -19 points, which placed at the bottom of the ranking analizing 199 countries. The category that contributed the most to the four nations' final score was the death sentence for homosexuality.

This statistic shows the distribution of the population in France in 2025, by sexual orientation. In that year, 90 percent of French people declared that they were heterosexual, while eight percent of them said that they were either bisexual, homosexual, pansexual, or asexual.

Worldwide, 64 countries criminalize homosexuality as of 2024. Most of them are located in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. In 12 countries, the death penalty is imposed or at least a possibility for private, consensual same-sex sexual activity. These countries are Iran, Northern Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Yemen, Afghanistan, Brunei, Mauritania, Pakistan, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Uganda.