What Percentage of the Population is Gay?

Most people use the "one in ten" convention when trying to determine what percentage of the population is gay. The theory is that for every ten people, one is LGBT. This widely used statistic is not as accurate as you might think.

So, what percentage of the population is LGBT?

There are many things to consider when trying to compile a single number:

• First, not all LGBT people identify as LGBT. Some people choose not to label themselves, which leads to the next factor. (See Post-Gay | Post-Label)
• Others use more fluid definitions of sexuality that go beyond "gay or straight"; or they are simply bi or gay-curious. (See Kinsey Scale)
• Third, not all LGBT people that do identify as LGBT feel comfortable disclosing their sexual identity. Some choose not to while others are not out.
• Last, same-sex household statistics are collected in census data, but it is only as accurate as those surveyed and their willingness to disclose what many consider private information.

What do the researchers say?

Gary Gates is a Senior Research Fellow at The Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law and Public Policy, a think tank dedicated to the field of sexual orientation law and public policy. I asked Gary if the "one in ten" convention was a myth or reality. Here's what he had to say:

"That's the single question that I'm asked the most. The answer is unfortunately not simple. I'll respond with a question. What do you mean when you use the word 'gay'? If you mean people who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual in a survey, then the answer is that it's likely not one in ten, but closer to one in twenty. A recent government survey found that 4 percent of adults aged 18-45 identified as 'homosexual' or 'bisexual.' A similar proportion of voters identify as GLB. If you define gay as having same-sex attractions or behaviors, you do get higher proportions that are a bit closer to the one in ten figure." (Read more of my interview with Gary Gates.)