More Americans identify as LGBT+ than ever before, study finds – and it’s thanks to Gen Z

More Americans than ever both say they identify as LGBT+, a study has found, with the percentage having doubled over the last decade thanks to Gen Z.

The percentage of Americans who identify as LGBT+ is now 7.1 per cent, more than double the 3.5 per cent that did in 2012, according to a survey from Gallup.

The data is a result of interviews with more than 12,000 adults in the US, and the jump in those identifying as LGBT+ can largely be attributed to Gen Z.

More than one in five (21 per cent) of Gen Z adults, those born between 1997 and 2003, said they were queer, with Gallup noting: “The increase in LGBT identification in recent years largely reflects the higher prevalence of such identities among the youngest US adults compared with the older generations they are replacing in the US adult population.”

In comparison, 11 per cent of millennials, 4 per cent of Gen X, 3 per cent of baby boomers and just 1 per cent of those born before 1947 said they were LGBT+.

Of all Americans that identify as LGBT+, the most common identity was bisexual (57 per cent), which translates as 4 per cent of all US adults.

Just over one in five (21 per cent) LGBT+ Americans said they are gay, 14 per cent said they are lesbian, 10 per cent said they are transgender and 4 per cent said they were another queer identity.

“The proportion of US adults who consider themselves to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender has grown at a faster pace over the past year than in prior years,” Gallup said.

“This is occurring as more of Gen Z is reaching adulthood. These young adults are coming of age, including coming to terms with their sexuality or gender identity, at a time when Americans increasingly accept gays, lesbians and transgender people, and LGBT+ individuals enjoy increasing legal protection against discrimination.”

Gallup added: “With one in 10 millennials and one in five Gen Z members identifying as LGBT+, the proportion of LGBT+ Americans should exceed 10 per cent in the near future.”