1 in 3 LGBTQ+ graduates have reconsidered career paths due to recent political shifts, myGwork survey finds

The latest myGwork LGBTQ+ Student & Graduate Survey 2026 offers one of the clearest signals yet that the next generation of talent is rewriting the rules of work. More than 2,000 students and recent graduates worldwide shared how identity, politics, flexibility and purpose are shaping their career choices – and what employers must do to win their trust.

Identity is diverse, visible and non‑negotiable. Over a third (36%) of respondents identify as LGBTQ+, with significant numbers identifying as bisexual or gay, and 2% as non‑binary or gender non‑conforming. While 69% of respondents identify as cisgender, nearly one in five identify outside the gender binary – including non‑binary, genderqueer and gender fluid identities. For employers, it’s a clear signal that binary-only approaches to policies, benefits, systems and language are already out of date.

Being out at work and experiences of discrimination

Being out at work remains critical, but economic pressure is driving “pragmatic concealment”. Among our LGBTQ+ student and graduate respondents, 79% say they would not want to work for a company where they couldn’t be out, and 72% are more likely to be out from day one if they know the employer is truly inclusive. Yet 28% would still consider a role where they couldn’t be out if the package was strong enough, and 31% say it would depend on the role’s long‑term career importance. For LGBTQ+ people of color, the trade‑offs are sharper: only 19% feel they can afford to reject a job where they cannot be out.

Discrimination is still a lived reality. Almost half (48%) of LGBTQ+ respondents have witnessed discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity at their place of study or work, compared with 32% of non‑LGBTQ+ peers, and over a third have personally experienced biphobia, homophobia or transphobia. The burden is higher for LGBTQ+ students and graduates of color, who report more frequent incidents than their White LGBTQ+ peers, and many are actively walking away from sectors and geographies they perceive as unsafe.

Download the full survey to turn insight into action

This article touches only the most headline findings. The full myGwork LGBTQ+ Student & Graduate Survey 2026 goes deeper into:

• Sector‑by‑sector perceptions of LGBTQ+ friendliness
• How universities and careers centers are helping—or failing—to bridge the inclusion gap
• Detailed breakdowns by race, disability, gender identity and geography
• Concrete recommendations you can adapt for your own organization

If you’re serious about attracting Gen Z and Gen Y talent that is diverse, values‑driven and highly mobile, this report is essential reading.