LGBTQ+ acceptance remains very high in the US

The GLAAD 2024 Accelerating Acceptance Study reveals sustained supermajority support for LGBTQ Americans, although there is a slight decline in overall support compared to the previous year.

The study highlights increased reports of discrimination, particularly among GenZ LGBTQ individuals, who are the most open generation in history. Key findings include:

Support for LGBTQ Rights

The vast majority of those surveyed in the 2024 report believe LGBTQ+ people should live their lives free from fear (91 per cent) and not be discriminated against (93 per cent).

95% of non-LGBTQ Americans believe schools should be safe and accepting for all youth, and 93% say children should be taught to appreciate and accept people as they are. However, support for LGBTQ equal rights has decreased from 84% to 80%.

Impact of Disinformation

The study notes the negative effects of disinformation campaigns, with 70% of LGBTQ GenZ adults reporting discrimination based on their sexual orientation.

Additionally, LGBTQ adults report negative mental health impacts, fear for their safety, and harassment due to the current political discourse.

Positive Role of Media

Accurate media coverage is linked to higher acceptance and comfortability among non-LGBTQ people, making them 1.3 times more motivated to support LGBTQ individuals. Exposure to LGBTQ people in media increases familiarity and comfort in various interactions by up to 50%.

Anti-LGBTQ Incidents

There has been a significant rise in anti-LGBTQ incidents, with 1,087 incidents reported between June 2023 and June 2024, a 109% increase from the previous year.

The study underscores the importance of accurate media representation in fostering acceptance and highlights the ongoing challenges posed by disinformation and discrimination against LGBTQ individuals.

The full report can be found here.

See also: LGBTQ+ acceptance declines in US, according to GLAAD report

Originally published at https://trans-express.lgbt on August 17, 2024.