A year in which anti-LGBTQ+ bills at the state level have reached and threatens to surpass records have negatively impacted mental health and quality of life for LGBTQ+ Americans, according to a new study from Data for Progress. That’s what he feels.
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In 2023, more than 550 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced in state legislatures across the country, and more than 80 were passed into law, according to a count by the Human Rights Campaign. The number of bills introduced this year is approaching 500. Many of last year’s bills were specifically anti-transgender, and 2024 will be no different. To measure the impact of this environment, Data for Progress surveyed 873 LGBTQ+ adults from March 8 to 14, including an oversample of trans adults.
53% of LGBTQ+ adults say recent anti-LGBTQ+ policies and rhetoric have negatively impacted their mental health, including 79% of transgender adults and 65% of LGBTQ+ adults ages 18-24. contained.
More than 60% of transgender respondents said they feel uncomfortable when going to a new medical facility, using a public restroom, going to a non-LGBTQ+ bar or nightclub, or making public displays of affection with their significant other. They are concerned about being discriminated against or harassed. Of all LGBTQ+ respondents, 47% were concerned about discrimination or harassment due to public displays of affection.
Thirty-seven percent of LGBTQ+ adults, including about 65 percent of trans adults, said the quality of life for LGBTQ+ Americans has worsened in the past year.
42% of LGBTQ+ adults reported hearing anti-LGBTQ+ comments from a family member, friend, co-worker, or neighbor. 1 in 4 girlfriends have experienced online bullying or harassment. 23% said they had experienced discrimination. 19% have experienced face-to-face bullying or harassment, or have stopped talking to friends or family because of homophobia or transphobia.
The situation was even worse for transgender respondents. 46% reported cyberbullying or online harassment. 45% experienced discrimination. 38% reported face-to-face bullying or harassment. Additionally, 39% have stopped talking to friends and family who don’t accept them.
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The onslaught of homophobic and transphobic laws has led many to consider moving to another city or state. Forty-four percent of transgender respondents said they had considered immigrating or had already done so, while the percentage was slightly lower among LGBTQ+ respondents overall.
Political, corporate, and media support were important to those surveyed. 82% of all respondents said they would like to live in a city or state with LGBTQ+-friendly policies and non-discrimination protections. 86% wanted to work for a company that had a stated policy of protecting LGBTQ+ employees. Also, 76% preferred to buy from brands that publicly support her LGBTQ+ community.
Majorities of transgender adults (68 percent), LGBTQ+ adults ages 18 to 24 (57 percent), Latino LGBTQ+ adults (51 percent), and Black LGBTQ+ adults (51 percent) say that LGBTQ+ representation in the media makes them feel uncomfortable. said that it is important for the process of discovering one’s sexuality. LGBTQ+ identities. The majority agreed that LGBTQ+ youth need access to safe spaces online.
Although transgender people reported many negative experiences, they also reported finding joy in inspiring their communities and young people. Comments about how they found joy include: “Live my life proudly and unapologetically on my own terms so that younger queer generations feel empowered to do the same. They included things like “being able to see others find themselves and grow as people.”
“This report highlights many of the challenges facing LGBTQ+ adults across the country, particularly as a result of recent anti-LGBTQ+ policies and rhetoric,” Data for Progress concludes. “This also highlights the disparity in negative experiences reported between transgender adults and LGBQ+ adults who do not identify as transgender. It emphasizes the importance of LGBTQ+-affirming communities, policies, media representation, and online spaces and resources for LGBTQ+ people.”
