Pride Month Research Roundup

To celebrate Pride Month, this week’s blog highlights current statistics surrounding LGBTQIA+ identification and recent research exploring queer joy, belonging, and inclusivity.

[1] The prevalence of LGBTQ+ identification has risen substantially in recent years. 

According to recent Gallup polling, approximately 9% of American adults identify as LGBTQ+, a figure that has more than doubled since Gallup first began tracking it in 2012.

Younger generations are driving much of that growth, with nearly 1 in 4 (23%) Gen Z adults identifying as such. Women identify as LGBTQ+ at about twice the rate of men (10.5% vs. 5.4%), with much of that gender difference being driven by higher rates of bisexual identification among women.

Overall, bisexuals constitute a majority of the community, comprising a larger share than all other identities combined.

[2] Being liberal (compared to conservative) is associated with allyship to the LGBTQ+ community.

Pride Month celebrates queer communities and the allies who support them. A recent study published in Scientific Reports explored how political orientation relates to allyship among straight, cisgender individuals.

The study included 378 dyads (pairs of individuals who knew each other well), with one participant identifying as straight and cisgender and the other as LGBTQ+. LGBTQ+ participants rated how supportive they perceived their straight/cisgender close other to be, while straight/cisgender participants reported on their own allyship toward the LGBTQ+ community. The researchers found that individuals with more politically liberal views tended to report higher levels of allyship than those with more conservative beliefs. These self-perceptions aligned with the views of their LGBTQ+ peers, who also rated liberal participants as stronger allies on average.

[3] Experiencing gender euphoria reduces the odds of contemplating suicide among transgender and nonbinary youth.

A recent report from The Trevor Project using data from Project SPARK explored the role of gender euphoria in the wellbeing of transgender and nonbinary youth. Gender euphoria is the positive feeling that arises from affirming gender experiences and authentic gender expression. Transgender and nonbinary youth reported experiencing the greatest feelings of gender euphoria when strangers recognized and validated their gender (e.g., using their correct pronouns) and when they were able to express their gender in ways that felt authentic to them (e.g., wearing gender-affirming clothing).

Gender euphoria appears to have a protective effect on mental health. Youth who reported higher levels of gender euphoria had nearly 50% lower odds of experiencing depression, as well as lower levels of anxiety. Greater gender euphoria was also associated with a reduced likelihood of seriously contemplating suicide. Using a person’s correct name and pronouns, respecting their gender identity, and fostering environments where people can express themselves authentically helps support mental wellbeing.

[4] Queer and transgender joy offer resilience and strength to the community.

Much of the existing literature on LGBTQIA+ individuals has focused on health disparities and risk factors for negative health outcomes, while far less attention has been given to queer joy and strengths in the community. A recent daily diary study of 94 sexual and gender minority adolescents aimed to capture the positive experiences associated with being LGBTQ+. Across 1,600+ open-ended entries, participants reflected on moments of affirmation, connection, and pride, which were analyzed using qualitative methods.

The researchers identified five overarching themes: (1) social support, including feeling connected to others through authentic conversations and shared identity; (2) romantic and sexual relationships, such as feeling desired and affirmed by partners; (3) representation, including seeing LGBTQ+ people in media, symbols like Pride imagery, and participating in LGBTQ+ events; (4) identity affirmation, including processes of coming out, exploration, and acceptance; and (5) gender expression and affirmation, including authentic self-presentation and supportive or gender-affirming environments and policies.

These themes are often amplified during Pride Month, when visibility, community events, and representation increase opportunities for affirmation and connection. In this way, Pride can function not just as a celebration, but also as an environment that reinforces queer joy and community support.

Whether you are an ally or an LGBTQIA+ person, we hope this Pride Month offers an opportunity to learn something new (about yourself, others, or the community) and to reflect on the importance of inclusivity and acceptance.

To learn more, check out some of our LGBTQ+ podcast episodes:

Episode 463: Stress, Connection, And LGBTQ Health

Episode 32: Sex and Relationship Therapy With LGBTQ Patients

References:

[1] Bock, H., Chen, J. M., & Joel, S. (2026). Associations between political orientation and allyship: Evidence from potential allies and their LGBTQ+ close others. Scientific Reports, 16(1), Article 8879. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-42213-8

[2] The Trevor Project. (2026). Gender Euphoria and Mental Health among TGNB Young People. https://doi.org/10.70226/CWMM4632

[3] Flynn, S. S., Touhey, S., Sullivan, T. R., & Mereish, E. H. (2026). Queer and transgender joy: A daily diary qualitative study of positive identity factors among sexual and gender minority adolescents. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, 13(1), 187–201. https://doi.org/10.1037/sgd0000733

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