Survey reveals significant life changes among LGBTQ+ people in response to U.S political climate

A new survey released by the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) indicates a notable trend of LGBTQ+ people in the United States making significant life changes in response to the current political landscape since the November 2024 presidential election.

According to the survey, 57 percent of LGBTQ+ adults reported having made "significant life decisions" or taken concrete steps to alter their lives since November 2024, reflecting a heightened awareness of and response to the political climate.

The study, conducted in collaboration with the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, surveyed 1,055 LGBTQ+ adults between May 29 and June 13. It reveals that LGBTQ+-related politics and laws have spurred life changes such as relocation to more affirming states, career transitions, and adjustments in community visibility.

A substantial majority of respondents – 60 percent, including 82 percent of trans and nonbinary individuals – indicated that they or an immediate family member had experienced at least one negative incident related to their LGBTQ+ identity since last November. These incidents encompassed discrimination and harassment, occurring both online and in person, and perpetrated by both governmental bodies and private businesses.

While 25 percent have considered moving to a different state, 5 percent have already done so. Additionally, 18 percent have considered changing jobs, with 11 percent having already made the transition.

Notably, 24 percent reported taking steps to reduce their visibility as an out LGBTQ+ person within their communities, highlighting concerns about safety and acceptance.

The survey's data also revealed that trans and nonbinary respondents reported taking actions to change their lives and behaviors at significantly higher rates than their cisgender counterparts. 43 percent of trans and nonbinary respondents have considered moving, while 9 percent have already relocated. 36 percent have considered changing jobs, with 22 percent having already done so. More than half (55 percent) of trans respondents have taken measures to decrease their visibility as members of the LGBTQ+ community, reflecting the unique challenges faced by this segment of the population.

However, the survey also illuminated a countervailing trend of increased engagement in LGBTQ+ advocacy. 20 percent of respondents reported becoming more involved in LGBTQ+ activism in their communities, and 18 percent have taken steps to increase their visibility as LGBTQ+ community members since November, demonstrating a commitment to resilience and community solidarity.

MAP characterized the survey's findings as "remarkably sobering," emphasizing the "fear, anxiety, and uncertainty that many LGBTQ people and their families across the country are currently facing." The organization further noted that the survey's relatively short timeframe suggests that these trends may intensify as political attacks on LGBTQ+ rights and protections persist.

The findings of MAP's nationally representative survey are consistent with local surveys and anecdotal evidence, underscoring the widespread impact of the current political climate on the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and the urgent need for continued advocacy and support.