Acceptance of LGBT people declines in the US, according to new GLAAD study
GLAAD's annual Accelerating Acceptance report shows an alarming decline in LGBT acceptance
A new study has found an alarming decline in the acceptance of LGBT people in the US.
GLAAD released their fourth annual Accelerating Acceptance report yesterday (January 25), which revealed how LGBT acceptance has decreased since 2016.
The report polled over 2,000 adults, 1,897 of which were non-LGBT, online between November 16-20, 2017.
According to the study, there has been an increase in the amount of Americans who feel “very” or “somewhat” uncomfortable in various situations with LGBT people.
The report revealed that 30% of the adults surveyed claimed they would be “uncomfortable” to find out a family member is LGBT, up 3% from 2016.
Meanwhile, 31% would be uncomfortable if their child was taught by an LGBT person and another 31% would be uncomfortable having an LGBT doctor.
Results showed that 27% would feel uncomfortable seeing an LGBT co-worker’s wedding picture and 37% said they would dislike finding out their child has a lesson on LGBT history in school.
The report also revealed that 55% of LGBT adults experienced discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, 11% more than last year.
GLAAD highlighted that this was the first time the Accelerating Acceptance report had shown a decrease in acceptance of LGBT people.
Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD’s President and CEO, said: “For decades, as more and more LGBTQ people were out, visible, and threaded through all works of life, non-LGBTQ people became more comfortable.”
“This year, more non-LGBTQ US adults reported being uncomfortable learning a family member, doctor, or child’s teacher is LGBTQ. However, 79% of non-LGBTQ US adults still agreed with the statement ‘I support equal rights for the LGBT community.'”
She added: “LGBTQ people and allies being visible and vocal will not only stop the rollback, but continue the forward march towards 100% acceptance around the world.”
The report comes just days after one study found that over 600,000 US LGBT adults received conversion therapy as youth, and a study by the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs which revealed a huge increase in the rate of LGBT+ homicides over the last year.