GLAAD released a report March 7 polling LGBTQ+ adults and registered voters (including both LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+). The survey revealed LGBTQ+ registered voters are highly motivated to vote, with 94 percent indicating they are definitely (83 percent) or probably (11 percent) voting this November.
“A majority of all voters say they would oppose candidates who frequently speak about restricting access to health care and youth sports participation for transgender youth — 81 percent say health care decisions for youth should be made by parents,” the organization stated in a release “All voter categories surveyed — LGBTQ+, registered, Trump voters and swing voters who say they vote for either party — agree that politicians ‘should stop focusing on restricting women’s rights and banning medical care for transgender youth and instead focus on addressing inflation, job creation, and healthcare costs.’”
According to an analysis done by The Washington Post, LGBTQ+ voters in 2020 were seven to eight percent of the overall electorate, a turnout which experts have said played a decisive role in Joe Biden’s win in swing states. GLAAD’s 2024 survey revealed LGBTQ+ voters prefer President Joe Biden over Donald Trump by over 53 percentage points nationwide (68 percent Biden/15 percent Trump) and by over 57 percentage points in seven current close contest states, including North Carolina.
For Congress, LGBTQ likely voters prefer a Democratic candidate by around 63 percentage points nationwide (77 percent Democrat/14 percent Republican) and by over 67 percentage points in the same seven swing states from before, including North Carolina.
The GLAAD report also showed both LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ voters were widely opposed to restrictions on transgender youth, with 53 percent of both registered and likely 2024 voters against “a political candidate [who] speaks frequently about restricting access to health care and participation in sports for transgender youth.”
According to the report, all categories overwhelmingly agree that Republicans should stop focusing on restricting women’s rights and banning medical care for transgender youth and instead focus on addressing inflation, job creation, and healthcare costs. Ninety-four percent of LGBTQ+ voters, 76 percent of registered voters, 76 percent of likely 2024 voters and 82 percent of swing voters agree.”
GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said the report from GLAAD shows how LGBTQ+ Americans are impacted by the anti-trans rhetoric and how it will likely bring them to the polls.
“GLAAD’s research shows that LGBTQ Americans are ready to exert their significant power to shape electoral politics, choose responsible leadership and use their voices to advocate for equality,” she said. “Voters are insisting that politicians focus instead on the real issues facing our nation, including inflation, abortion rights, and climate change.
“Candidates, parties, strategists and reporters are on notice about the power of the LGBTQ vote and the issues that should be demanding attention, including our fundamental freedoms and everyone’s safety and well-being.”