Who even gives a damn, right?
Recent data reveals that the largest population of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender U.S. adults is concentrated in the Southern region. Is it the warmer temperatures? How about that Mason-Dixon line as a temptress?
This from msn.com.
NOTE: Individuals aged 18-24 exhibit a higher likelihood of identifying as LGBTQ+, emphasizing generational variations with approximately 21% identifying as such. In contrast, 11% of Millennials, and even lower rates among older generations report identifying as LGBTQ+.
The District of Columbia:
Findings from the Williams Institute indicate that a notable 14.7% of adults identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, constituting a population of 81,400 LGBTQ+ individuals. [T]he District recognizes and permits same-sex marriages, reinforcing the commitment to inclusivity and equal treatment for all individuals, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Oregon:
7.8% of residents, totaling approximately 253,300 citizens, identify as LGBTQ+. Renowned as a refuge for all, Oregon stands out as a welcoming space, particularly in Portland, recognized as a prominent hub for queer life on the West Coast. Remarkably, Portland’s Darcelle XV achieved recognition on the National Register of Historic Places in 2020 for its pivotal role in advancing acceptance of drag and gay rights. Serving as a safe haven since the 1970s.
Delaware:
Findings from LGBTQ Map indicate that 4.5% of residents, comprising approximately 40,000 individuals and 24,000 workers, identify as LGBTQ+.
Vermont:
VT Digger reported 7.4% of residents identifying as LGBTQ+, comprising approximately 44,000 residents.
New Hampshire:
7.2% LGBTQ+ residents, totaling over 78,000 individuals. [S]ubstantial progress in LGBT rights has unfolded over the past two decades in New Hampshire, solidifying an inclusive legal framework.
Washington:
6.8% of residents, almost 400,000 individuals within the state’s 7.7 million population, identify as LGBTQ+. The Governor’s endorsement on May 13, 2019, led to a bill becoming law on July 28, 2019, solidifying the commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
Colorado:
6.8% of the population of 294,000 residents identifies as LGBTQ+, constituting an approximate total of 20,000 residents.
Maine:
Approximately 6.8% of the 1.372 million population identifies as LGBTQ+, for an approximate total of 93, 300 residents. While Maine encourages the integration of LGBTQ+ content into education, it neither mandates nor provides specific instructions for addressing sexual orientation and gender diversity in classrooms.
Nevada:
Approximately 6.6%, or around 150,000 residents, identify as LGBTQ+, for an approximate total of 9,900 residents. The federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision in Sevcik v. Sandoval on October 8, 2014, legalized same-sex marriage in the state. Alternatively, same-sex couples can enter a domestic partnership, conferring similar rights and responsibilities as marriage.
Massachusetts:
Approximately 6.5% of Massachusetts’ approximate 6.985 million residents identify as LGBTQ+, for an approximate total of 454,000 residents. Recognized as one of the most LGBT-friendly states in the US, Massachusetts achieved a significant milestone in 2004. It became the first state in the country to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples following the landmark decision in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health. This pivotal move positioned Massachusetts as the sixth jurisdiction globally, after the Netherlands, Belgium, Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec, to embrace same-sex marriage.
Rhode Island:
6.5% of adults identify as LGBTQ+, reflecting approximately 71,000 residents. Rhode Island introduced two significant relationship recognition options for same-sex couples—initially, civil unions on July 1, 2011, followed by same-sex marriage on August 1, 2013. Additionally, Rhode Island has prohibited conversion therapy on minors since 2017, further solidifying its commitment to protecting the well-being of LGBTQ+ youth.
Tennessee:
328,000 residents, constituting approximately 6.3% of the population, identifies as LGBTQ+. Findings from the Pew Research Center reveal a divided sentiment within the state, with 53% expressing opposition to the LGBTQ+ community. In contrast, a lower percentage, 41%, offers support. These figures underscore the varied perspectives within Tennessee.
Minnesota:
6.3% of residents, translating to approximately 267,000 individuals within its overall population identify as LGBTQ+. Minnesota holds the distinction of being the first state in the country to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity across various domains.
Ohio:
Over 550,000 residents, or 6.2%, identify as LGBTQ+ in Ohio. [S]everal Ohio cities, including Athens, Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, and Toledo, have implemented anti-discrimination ordinances safeguarding housing and public accommodations. While conversion therapy is banned in multiple cities, a federal judge invalidated a law prohibiting sex changes on birth certificates in Ohio in December 2020.
Utah:
6.1% of Utah’s population, equivalent to 133,000 residents, identifies as LGBTQ+. Despite the state’s prevailing social conservatism and religious solid influence, protective laws for the LGBT community have seen consistent enactment since 2014.
Final thoughts: Not counting the illegal aliens, the U.S. population is approximately 335 million. Given approximately 6.5% are queer, the total number is approximately 21.775 million. For what it’s worth, approximately 6.5 out of every 100 people are queer and if my math is correct, that is a much higher number than I imagined.
