LGBT identification among U.S. teens shows notable decline after rapid rise
Recent data indicate that the share of American teenagers identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender has fallen sharply after years of rapid growth.
After a decade of steep increases, LGBT self-identification in the United States has begun to recede, with Gallup reporting a modest decline to 9.0% of the population. Scholars including Eric Kaufmann note that much of the earlier surge stemmed from heterosexual individuals, particularly women with liberal views, labeling themselves LGBT. New analyses by Jean Twenge, using CDC Youth Risk Survey data, show that among high-school students, especially 9th-grade girls, the proportion identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender has dropped dramatically between 2022 and 2025.
The decline is most pronounced for bisexual identification, which fell from 26% to 13% among 9th-grade girls. In contrast, the 18-24 age group’s non-heterosexual identification has plateaued rather than continued rising. Commentators attribute the shift to waning novelty of LGB labels and a broader move toward non-binary identities. The trend suggests a re-evaluation of how gender and sexual orientation are expressed among U.S. youth.
Why it matters
The shift signals changing attitudes toward gender and sexuality among teens, affecting policy, education and cultural discourse.
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