New study estimates significant transgender population in the U.S.

A comprehensive new data analysis reveals that over 2.8 million individuals in the United States identify as transgender, including approximately 724,000 young people aged 13-17. The study, conducted by researchers at the UCLA Williams Institute, utilized federal surveys and state health agency data to provide the most accurate and detailed portrait to date of the transgender population across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The findings, shared by The Guardian, highlight the widespread presence of transgender youth and adults throughout the country. The report stands in stark contrast to efforts by some to deny the existence and validity of transgender identities, particularly among young people.

Researchers warn that the elimination of data collection efforts by some administrations threatens to undermine future studies and erase transgender people from vital U.S. surveys, potentially hindering the development of informed and inclusive policies.

Key findings from the Williams Institute analysis include:

• Approximately 1% of the U.S. population aged 13 and older identifies as transgender, comprising 0.8% of adults (over 2.1 million people) and 3.3% of youth aged 13-17 (roughly 724,000 people).
  
• Young adults aged 18-24 are significantly more likely to identify as transgender (2.72%) compared to those aged 35-64 (0.42%) and those 65 and older (0.26%).
  
• Among the 2.1 million transgender adults, 32.7% (698,500) are trans women, 34.2% (730,500) are trans men, and 33.1% (707,100) are trans non-binary individuals.
  
• The transgender population is fairly consistent across regions, with 0.9% of adults in the West, Midwest, and Northeast identifying as transgender, compared to 0.7% of adults in the South.
  
• Minnesota had the highest rate of adults who identify as transgender (1.2%), while Hawaii had the highest rate of transgender youth (3.6%).

Dr. Jody Herman, senior scholar of public policy at the Williams Institute and co-author of the report, emphasized the importance of recognizing the unique needs and challenges faced by this substantial population. "Trans people live everywhere and are represented in every state," said Herman. "This is a substantial population that has unique concerns and barriers to getting their needs met, and lawmakers need to keep that in mind."

Experts note that the increased visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ people contribute to a safer environment for younger generations to express their identities.

The potential loss of federal data collection efforts raises concerns about the ability to accurately track and address the needs of the transgender community in the future. Advocates stress the importance of continued research and data collection to inform policy decisions.