National Coming Out Day is observed annually on October 11, a tradition that began in 1988. This day aims to support LGBTQ individuals as they share their identities with others. A recent Pew Research Center survey highlights significant findings regarding the coming out experiences of LGBTQ adults in the United States.
Over 90% of U.S. LGBTQ Adults Have Come Out to Someone
According to the survey conducted in January, 96% of U.S. LGBTQ adults have disclosed their sexual orientation or gender identity to someone. Only 3% reported not having come out to anyone. This level of openness marks a remarkable shift in societal acceptance and personal reflection.
Demographics of LGBTQ Identification
The survey also noted that approximately 8% of U.S. adults identify as LGBTQ. This analysis provides a comprehensive look at the experiences of this population, focusing on when individuals first recognized their identities and the acceptance they felt from those around them.
Insights from the Survey
Conducted from January 8 to 19, 2025, the survey included responses from 3,959 LGBTQ adults. The research aimed to gather insights about identity recognition and coming out experiences across various demographics.
- 58% of LGBTQ adults felt they might be diverse in their identity before the age of 14.
- Only 14% disclosed their identity during that same age range.
- 34% shared their identity between ages 18 and 24.
Coming Out Trends by Age
The study indicates several trends based on the respondents’ ages. Notably, 49% of individuals under 50 years old came out before turning 18, compared to only 24% of those aged 50 and older. This illustrates a generational shift in openness and acceptance.
Challenges of Coming Out
Despite high rates of disclosure, many LGBTQ adults remain private about their identities with specific groups:
- 32% are not out to any extended family members.
- 25% have not disclosed their identity to any coworkers.
- 23% have not come out to their parents.
- 18% are not open with their siblings.
Moreover, bisexual individuals represent a significant portion of those who remain closeted. About one-third of bisexual adults reported that their parents are unaware of their identity.
Acceptance Levels Among LGBTQ Adults
The survey discovered that many LGBTQ individuals who have come out report positive experiences with acceptance:
- 69% of respondents with siblings indicated that all their siblings have been accepting of their identity.
- 61% affirmed that all of their friends offered support.
- Only 46% reported full acceptance from their parents.
Social Acceptance of LGBTQ Identities
When assessing overall social acceptance, the survey indicated that:
- 61% of LGBTQ adults perceive a notable level of acceptance for gay or lesbian individuals.
- 52% feel similarly about the bisexual community.
- Acceptance rates drop significantly for nonbinary (14%) and transgender individuals (13%).
These findings underscore the continuing evolution of social attitudes towards LGBTQ individuals in the U.S., revealing both progress and ongoing challenges for acceptance and visibility. Overall, the survey from Pew Research Center paints a hopeful yet realistic picture of the landscape for LGBTQ Americans today.
