As LGBTQ+ youth population doubles in US the number of bills targeting them triples

The population of LGBTQ+ youth in the US has nearly doubled in recent years, yet the number of state-level bills aimed at restricting their rights has surged threefold, according to a new report.

The latest analysis carried out by the Movement Advancement Project shows that the proportion of U.S. teens identifying as LGBTQ+ has nearly doubled since 2020, now representing approximately 2 million individuals, or 9.5% of those aged 13 to 17. At the same time, the number of state-level bills aimed at restricting LGBTQ+ rights has tripled, increasing from 77 in 2020 to roughly 300 annually between 2023 and 2025, as reported by The 74 Million.

Nearly half of LGBTQ+ youth live in 27 states with laws restricting their in-school rights, such as bathroom bans, anti-bullying prohibitions, and restrictions on sports participation. Southern states are most affected, followed by the West, Midwest, and Northeast. Tennessee, Arkansas, Montana, and Idaho lead in the number of restrictive laws. While some states have enacted protective policies, six in ten LGBTQ+ youth live in states without legal guarantees of support.

The legislation has taken a toll on mental health too, revealed the report. In 2023, 90% of LGBTQ+ youth reported that politics negatively affected their well-being, up from 71% in 2022. Supportive educators remain crucial, as even one accepting adult can significantly reduce rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality among LGBTQ+ students.

Harassment in schools remains pervasive, according to the report. Over eight in 10 (83%) of LGBTQ+ students report being harassed, 54% sexually harassed, and over 12% physically assaulted. Hostile school climates contribute to absenteeism, lower academic achievement, and long-term negative outcomes.

Generational shifts also play a role in the rising LGBTQ+ population, noted the report. Around a quarter (23%) of Gen Z identify as LGBTQ+, compared with lower percentages in older generations. Much of the increase comes from youth identifying as bisexual or nonbinary, while the proportion of transgender youth remains steady at around 0.5%.

The political climate is also influencing families’ decisions, confirmed the report. Many LGBTQ+ youth and their families have considered moving to more protective states, with tens of thousands likely having already relocated for safety or access to medical care. Read the full report here.