LGBTQ+ workplace statistics: the complete data guide 2025-2026

The most comprehensive collection of current data on LGBTQ+ employees, employers, and inclusion outcomes. All data sourced from Gallup, McKinsey, HRC, Stonewall, Deloitte, ONS, Catalyst, and myGwork surveys.

Population and representation

• 7.1% of US adults identify as LGBTQ+ — double the proportion a decade ago (Gallup 2024)
• 1 in 4 Gen Z adults in the US identifies as LGBTQ+ (McKinsey/Illumin 2025)
• 3.1% of UK adults identify as LGB, rising to 8.9% among 16-24 year olds (ONS 2023)
• Only 0.6% of Fortune 500 CEOs are openly LGBTQ+ as of 2025

Disclosure and covering at work

• 39% of LGBTQ+ employees are not out to anyone at work (McKinsey 2023)
• 61% of all employees cover at work — conceal or downplay an aspect of their identity (Deloitte)
• 46% of LGBTQ+ employees say they are not comfortable discussing personal life with colleagues (Stonewall UK)

Wellbeing and mental health

• LGBTQ+ employees are 3x more likely to experience depression or anxiety than non-LGBTQ+ peers (NHS/Stonewall 2023)
• Trans employees face the highest rates of mental health challenges of any LGBTQ+ subgroup

Retention and turnover

• 97% of LGBTQ+ employees in inclusive workplaces plan to stay another year, vs 38% in hostile environments (Scale Jobs 2025)
• Companies with active LGBTQ+ ERGs see 17% lower turnover among marginalised employees (Catalyst 2024)
• 52% of LGBTQ+ employees in hostile environments have left or are considering leaving (Stonewall 2023)

Business performance

• 8x higher net income for companies with top HRC Corporate Equality Index scores (HRC/CEI 2026)
• Cities in the top quartile for LGBTQ+ inclusion show 4x stronger human capital performance (Open for Business 2025)
• Inclusive teams: 17% higher performance, 20% better decisions, 29% more collaborative (Deloitte)

Consumer behaviour

• $3.9 trillion global LGBTQ+ buying power (DISQO/WeRQ 2025)
• 72% of LGBTQ+ consumers will stop purchasing from brands that devalue their community (Nielsen)
• 74% more likely to purchase from brands showing visible support (MRI-Simmons 2025)
• 41% of consumers trust brands less when DEI commitments are rolled back (DISQO/WeRQ 2025)

Recruitment and talent

• 80% of Gen Z candidates prioritise workplace inclusion when evaluating employers (McKinsey 2024)
• 87% of LGBTQ+ professionals use employer reputation as a key factor in their job search (myGwork 2024)
• Inclusive job descriptions receive 42% more applications than non-inclusive equivalents (Textio)

Pay gaps

• Gay and bisexual men in the UK earn on average 16% less than heterosexual men (ONS)
• Trans workers earn approximately 32% less than cisgender workers in the UK (Government Equalities Office)
• LGBTQ+ workers in the US earn approximately 10% less than non-LGBTQ+ workers with equivalent qualifications (Williams Institute 2021)

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