Majority in LGBT Community Believe Society Has Become More Accepting in the Last 10 Years

Although many still face violence and slurs

A sweeping new study of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans finds that the overwhelming majority believe society has grown more accepting over the last decade — and will continue to do so in the decade to come.

Yet many said they had faced slurs, rejection or worse. Nearly a third said they had been threatened or physically attacked at some time in their life, the Pew Research Center found. Only about one in five said there was a lot of acceptance for LGBT people today.

For LGBT people, "these are the best of times — but that doesn't mean they are easy times," said Paul Taylor, executive vice president of the Pew Research Center. "Many are still searching to find a comfortable, secure place in a society where acceptance is growing — but still limited."

Comments

[Steve G]

Great, can we quit the pride parades now?

[Charles.H.Anziulewicz@wv.]

DEAR STEVE G:

Straight people have never had to worry about being fired from their jobs, kicked out of their rental properties, turned away from businesses, targeted with vandalism and violence, or denied the right to marry the person they love, solely on the basis of their sexual orientation. Gay people shouldn't have to worry about, either.

When Gay and Straight individuals and couples are treated equally under the law, I promise: The Pride Parades will stop.