Here’s how LGBTQ acceptance has changed in the past three years

With the current administration following a more conservative blueprint, it looks like LGBTQ Americans will be the one of the biggest marginalized groups affected. We’re not just talking in a legal realm — but, personally and professionally as well. In a recent survey, GLAAD measured how much LGBTQ acceptance has changed since 2014. The results are definitely inspiring.

The annual Accelerating Acceptance survey shows a decrease in the rate of Americans who feel “somewhat uncomfortable” or “very uncomfortable” with LGBTQ people from 2014 to 2015. And GLAAD attributes this to be from the media’s inclusion of LGBTQ families and relationships. Tell that to the folks that don’t believe representation matters!

And the decline of “uncomfortability” goes hand-in-hand with the increased amount of Americans who identify as LGBTQ.

According to GLAAD, the 2017 results show that millennials are more likely to identify as LGBTQ than older generations.” 

Additionally, 63 percent of people who aren’t LGBTQ, aged 18 to 34, identify as “allies” for the community.

In the survey introduction, GLAAD questions whether or not the recent presidential election could have any bearing on the 2017 results.

They write, "Now, as the Trump Administration begins fulfilling its pledges to move the country in a different direction — one wherein marginalized people are already in the crosshairs of President Trump’s early executive orders — many in the LGBTQ community worry: Will the pace of progress be stalled or even undone altogether?"

And they may be onto something. According to GLAAD, changes in attitude towards LGBTQ Americans has slowed a bit since 2015. However, GLAAD notes that “overall, acceptance of the LGBTQ community remained high.

We’re definitely moving in the right direction — i.e. acceptance for all. But, we have to admit, hearing that some results are slowing up definitely puts a damper on us. It’s just a reminder for us not to get too comfortable with progress. There’s plenty more work to do.

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