A new Gallup poll finds that 9.3% of U.S. adults identify as LGBTQ+, a record high since Gallup first measured LGBTQ+ identification in 2012 and up from 7.6% from their 2023 survey. The percentage has almost doubled since 2020 and has risen from 3.5% in 2012.

This increase is largely driven by younger generations, particularly Gen Z, where more than one in five adults (23.1%) identify as LGBTQ+.

Generational Differences in LGBTQ+ Identification

The poll highlights a clear generational divide in LGBTQ+ identification. While 14% of millennials identify as LGBTQ+, the numbers drop significantly for Generation X (5.1%) and baby boomers (3%). The Silent Generation, those born before 1946, has the lowest reported LGBTQ+ identification at 1.8%.

Bisexuality Leading the Trend

Among those who identify as LGBTQ+, bisexuality is the most common identity, particularly among younger generations. More than half of LGBTQ+ Gen Z adults (59%) and 52% of LGBTQ+ millennials identify as bisexual. In contrast, older generations are more likely to identify as gay or lesbian.

LGBTQ+ Identity Varies by Gender, Politics, and Location

The survey also highlights key demographic trends:

• Women (10%) are more likely than men (6%) to identify as LGBTQ+, largely due to higher rates of bisexuality.

• Among Gen Z, 31% of women identify as LGBTQ+, compared to 12% of men. 

• Political affiliation plays a role, with 21% of liberals identifying as LGBTQ+, compared to 8% of moderates and 3% of conservatives. 
• LGBTQ+ identification is highest in urban areas (11%) and suburbs (10%), while lower in rural areas (7%).
  

Nonbinary and Other LGBTQ+ Identities

Between 1% and 2% of U.S. adults identify as nonbinary, and approximately 80% of this group also identify as LGBTQ+. The poll also notes a small but growing number of Americans identifying with terms such as pansexual, asexual, or queer, just under 1%.

LGBTQ+ Identification Likely to Continue Rising

Gallup’s findings indicate that the number of Americans identifying as LGBTQ+ has nearly tripled since 2012, when the figure stood at 3.5%. The increase is largely driven by younger generations, suggesting that LGBTQ+ identification may continue to grow as Gen Z and younger groups age into adulthood.

The survey was based on telephone interviews with more than 14,000 U.S. adults conducted throughout 2024.