Forum For Equality

New data shows where LGBTQ+ Americans stand today and how attitudes continue to evolve.

According to research from Gallup:

9% of U.S. adults identify as LGBTQ+, a significant increase over the past decade.

Young adults lead the way with nearly 1 in 4 people ages 18–29 identify as LGBTQ+. Most LGBTQ+ people say they knew by their early teens, with a median age of about 14.

Public opinion continues to shift: more Americans now believe s*xual orientation is something people are born with.

Support for marriage equality remains strong, with about 68% of U.S. adults supporting legal recognition of same-s*x marriages.

These numbers reflect real people. Our friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors. The numbers also underscore why visibility, understanding, and equality still matter.

Forum For Equality remains committed to building a Louisiana where every person can live openly, safely, and with dignity.

Source: Data and graphics originally published by Gallup. Find the information here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVbg_NAGjUp/?igsh=MXRlZTRlMzllMGNiOQ==

Conversations about gender may feel new, but societies have been defining roles and identities for thousands of years. This week, we’re exploring how cultures and legal systems across history have understood gender and why those histories still matter today.

Today we have: Gender Across Cultures In 60 Seconds

One thing history shows us is that cultures around the world have understood gender in many different ways. Here are just a few examples:

Indigenous North America
Many Native American communities historically recognized people known today as Two-Spirit, who often held important social or spiritual roles in their communities.

South Asia
In India and neighboring regions, Hijra communities have existed for centuries and are recognized in cultural traditions and history.

Samoa
In Samoan culture, fa’afafine are people who embody both masculine and feminine roles and are recognized as part of the social fabric of the community.

Ancient Egypt
Historical records show women could own property, run businesses, and participate in legal agreements. These were rights not common in many other ancient societies.

These examples show that ideas about gender have evolved across time and culture.

Understanding those histories helps give context to the conversations societies continue to have today.

What historical or cultural perspectives on gender have you encountered?