2013-06-12-皮尤-A_Survey_of_LGBT_Americans_160页_1mb

Summary of A Survey of LGBT Americans (2013)

Core Content

This report, conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2013, provides an in-depth look at the attitudes, experiences, and values of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) adults in the United States. It highlights both the progress made in social acceptance and the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBT community.

Main Findings

Social Acceptance

• Perceived Progress: 92% of LGBT adults believe society has become more accepting of them in the past decade, and 92% expect it to continue growing more accepting in the next decade.
• Public Opinion: While societal acceptance is increasing, only 19% of LGBT adults feel there is a lot of acceptance today, and 59% believe there is some.
• Factors for Acceptance: Key factors contributing to increased acceptance include personal interactions with LGBT individuals, advocacy by public figures, and the visibility of LGBT families.

Discrimination and Stigma

• Experiences of Discrimination: A significant portion of LGBT adults report discrimination, including:
  • 39% were rejected by a family member or close friend.
  • 30% were physically attacked or threatened.
  • 29% felt unwelcome in a place of worship.
  • 21% were treated unfairly by an employer.
• Coming Out: The median age for first feeling they might be LGB is 12, and for knowing for sure, it is 17. Most LGBT adults (59%) have told at least one parent about their identity, though many find it difficult. However, most say it didn't damage their relationship.

Demographics

• LGBT Population: The survey includes 1,197 self-identified LGBT adults.
  • 36% are gay men, 19% are lesbians, 40% are bisexuals, and 5% are transgender.
• Age and Gender Differences:
  • Bisexuals are younger, have lower incomes, and are less likely to have a college degree.
  • Lesbians are more likely to be in committed relationships (66%) than gay men (40%).
  • Women (regardless of sexual orientation) are more likely to want or have children than men.
• Race and Religion:
  • Non-white LGBT adults are more likely to view being LGBT as central to their identity and to experience conflict between religion and identity.
  • Most LGBT adults (84%) see the Muslim religion, the Mormon Church, the Catholic Church, and evangelical churches as unfriendly. Views on Jewish and mainline Protestant religions are more mixed.

Views on Same-Sex Marriage

• Support for Marriage: 93% of LGBT adults support same-sex marriage, compared to 51% of the general public.
• Public Perception: 42% of the general public opposes legal same-sex marriage, with religious beliefs being a major factor.
• Prioritization: Despite the focus on same-sex marriage, many LGBT adults also consider other issues such as employment rights, HIV/AIDS prevention, and adoption rights as top priorities.

Identity and Values

• Importance of Identity: 56% of LGBT adults say their sexual orientation or gender identity is extremely or very important to their identity.
• Happiness and Optimism: Only 18% of LGBT adults say they are "very happy," compared to 30% of the general public. However, 55% of LGBT adults believe the country is headed in the right direction, compared to 32% of the general public.
• Political Leanings: Most LGBT adults (79%) are Democrats or lean Democratic, and they are more supportive of government intervention in social issues.

Religion and Values

• Religious Affiliation: 48% of LGBT adults have no religious affiliation, compared to 20% of the general public.
• Conflict with Religion: 33% of LGBT adults who are religiously affiliated report a conflict between their beliefs and their identity.
• Religious Views on Homosexuality: Highly religious individuals are more likely to believe homosexuality should be discouraged.

Community and Engagement

• Community Involvement: 52% of LGBT adults have attended an LGBT pride event, and 40% have participated in a rally or march.
• LGBT Organizations: 39% belong to an LGBT organization, and 31% have donated money to politicians who support their rights.
• Online Presence: 80% of LGBT adults use social networking sites, with 55% having met new LGBT friends online. Gay men are most likely to have done so (69%).

Policy Priorities

• Top Priorities: Same-sex marriage, employment rights, HIV/AIDS prevention, and adoption rights are seen as top priorities.
• Public Figures: President Barack Obama and Ellen DeGeneres are the most cited public figures for advancing LGBT rights.

Key Information

• The survey was conducted online, which is believed to encourage more honest responses on sensitive topics.
• The margin of error for the full sample is ±4.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.
• The report does not attempt to estimate the percentage of the U.S. population that is LGBT, citing methodological challenges.
• The report is part of a broader series exploring attitudes toward sexual orientation and identity, including international comparisons.

Conclusion

The survey reflects a growing acceptance of the LGBT community in American society, driven by personal interactions, advocacy, and visibility. However, it also highlights the persistent challenges and stigma faced by many LGBT individuals, particularly in religious contexts and in relation to employment and family acceptance. The report underscores the importance of personal relationships in shaping societal attitudes and the significant role of the LGBT community in advocating for their rights and visibility.