Major New Study Reflects LGBTQ+ Attitudes On States, Travel, Pride And Who We Are?

Today a major new study was released by CMI, Community Marketing & Insights. The comprehensive survey is the 16th annual sample of the LGBTQ+ community. This evening Queer News Tonight gives you the breaking news of the major results from the nearly 15,000 LGBTQ+ that participated in the survey from across the USA and Canada. The complete report is more than 100 pages. First, America is a less friendly place than a year ago. While 94% of Canadian residents believed Canada is an LGBT-friendly country only 40% of Americans thought the USA was a friendly country. States that their residents felt were the most friendly included California at an astounding 98%, New York at 96% and Illinois at 91%. All three states were down 1% compared to 2021. The states that were the most unfriendly probably won’t surprise you. Only 26% of LGBTQ+ in Georgia thought they lived in a friendly state. But that was still more than Florida, which was only 24%. And the worst state in America is Texas with only 16% of Queer Texans saying their state was friendly to them. Most notable in this study was Florida. It had the biggest single drop in America in the last 12 months. A jaw dropping decline of nearly 20%. It likely reflects LGBTQ attitudes toward Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Conservative GOP, Don’t Say Gay and the states fight with companies like Disney. Second, Pride may not necessarily be Proud. Only 53% of our community thought Corporate presence at LGBTQ-pride events was positive for the community. Conversely corporate support increases to 87% for businesses that openly support equality legislation and 82% that supports it’s LGBTQ employees and speaks out against discrimination. The CMI notes in a video call with Hotspots Magazine Happening Out Television Network today that Rainbow Capitalism is a major topic for this Pride Month. The survey was completed before June Pride Month and the companies that have “gone above and beyond to show genuine, authentic support of the LGBTQ community” were Apple, Disney / ABC, Target, Google, Subaru and Wells Fargo. Third, LGBTQ may not be satisfied with our own community. While 95% said they had Pride in being an LGBTQ community member only 38% definitely agreed that they feel supported by the LGBTQ community and only 26% feel connected to LGBTQ social or political organizations. Fourth, Our relationship status may surprise you. 39% report they are single and 27% report they are married with the balance in different types of relationships. Fifth, your politics. 75% of LGBTQ say they are liberal, 14% say you are moderate, and 4% say you are conservative. Sixth, you still live in big or medium sized cities. 91% of our community live in big or medium sized cities or the suburbs while just 9% identify in small towns or rural communities. Despite media reports to the contrary, there is no significant migration from cities to rural communities. Seventh, what we call ourselves is changing. 70% of us use LGBTQ as our representation while 68% now say LGBTQ+. And the latter of LGBTQ+ is growing fast and CMI suggests it will likely become the top representation of our community in the 2023 survey. Also growing is acceptance of Queer at 53%. The smallest acceptance is LGBTQIA+ and GAY. Eighth, we are traveling. A gigantic number of us are or will travel. Interestingly the number of LGBTQ that will travel to Big cities like LA, New York, Fort Lauderdale and Miami has doubled and is a reflection of our growing confidence post pandemic. Perhaps even more surprising is that a full 28% of LGBTQ will travel internationally and Europe is the overwhelming first choice. Nineth, do you feel safe? 87% of LGBTQ feel safe in traveling, even on an airplane, while 77% safe dining indoors, 72% safe attending an indoor concert. All dramatically higher than a year ago. Tenth, Our top health concerns may surprise you. Covid-19 is no longer a major concern. For LGBTQ our #1 health concern is depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns. Heart issues, healthy body weight and preventing HIV also were high on the list. This is just a snapshot of the complete CMI Community Marketing & Insights 2022 Survey released today and complete details can be seen at CMI.info