Despite the many challenges facing LGBTQ+ people today, an overwhelming majority feel comfortable opening up about their identity to at least one other person in their lives.

A January poll from the Pew Research Center found that a whopping 96% of LGBTQ+ adults in the United States have told someone that they are or might be LGBTQ+. Only 3% have not come out to a single person.

Related

Positive coming out stories that will restore your faith in humanity

The poll also found that 58% of respondents began to question their identities before age 14, but most also waited to tell anyone about it until much later.

Only 14% of survey respondents said they came out to someone before age 14, compared to 29% who did so between 14 and 17, and 34% who did so between 18 and 24. 82% of respondents also said they knew they were queer by age 18.

Never Miss a Beat

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights.
Subscribe to our Newsletter today

Members of younger generations reported coming out to someone earlier in life than older generations. 49% of those currently under 50 came out to someone before age 18, whereas only 24% of those currently over 50 did the same.

Respondents also report that siblings are significantly more accepting than parents. 69% of LGBTQ+ adults with one or more siblings reported feeling accepted by all siblings to whom they have come out.

In contrast, only 46% of LGBTQ+ adults who have come out to their parents or childhood guardians feel accepted by them.

Trans people reported feeling the least accepted by parents and siblings (with 30% of trans people saying their parents have been accepting), and lesbian and gay people reported feeling most accepted.

Pew highlighted the survey results in honor of National Coming Out Day, celebrated every October 11 since 1988. Its creators, psychologist Dr. Robert H. Eichberg and activist Jean O’Leary, chose the date because it marked one year since the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.

In a 1993 interview, Eichberg explained, “Most people think they don’t know anyone gay or lesbian, and in fact everybody does. It is imperative that we come out and let people know who we are and disabuse them of their fears and stereotypes.”

Eighteen states celebrated the first National Coming Out Day, and by 1990, it was being celebrated in all 50 states and seven additional countries.

Subscribe to the LGBTQ Nation newsletter and be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.