65% of Black Americans support Black LGBTQ rights: survey

June 26, 2024 Story by: Editor

The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) , an LGBTQ advocacy group based in Washington D.C., announced the results of a groundbreaking national survey on June 19. The survey, believed to be the first of its kind, revealed that 65% of Black Americans consider themselves supporters of Black LGBTQ+ individuals and their rights, with 57% of these supporters identifying as churchgoers.

Commissioned by NBJC and conducted by the research firm HIT Strategies, the survey received support from five national LGBTQ organizations: the Human Rights Campaign , the National LGBTQ Task Force , the National Center for Lesbian Rights , Family Equality, and GLSEN. The survey included 1,300 Black participants, with an oversampling of Black LGBTQ+ individuals to ensure a representative view of this subgroup. It aimed to explore sentiments, perceptions, and priorities related to Black values and progressive policies, specifically how they influence views on Black LGBTQ+ people.

Key findings from the survey include:

73% of Gen Z respondents (ages 12-27 in 2024) believe the Black community should do more to support Black LGBTQ+ people.

40% of participants reported having a family member who identifies as LGBTQ+, and 80% reported having some connection to gay, lesbian, bisexual, or queer individuals. However, only 42% had proximity to transgender or gender-expansive people.

86% of Black people nationally reported a feeling of shared fate with other Black Americans, but only 51% felt this connection extended to Black LGBTQ+ individuals.

34% believed that Black LGBTQ+ people "lead with their sexual orientation or gender identity," and these respondents were less likely to support the Black LGBTQ+ community.

92% expressed concern about youth suicide rates after learning about the heightened risk among Black LGBTQ+ youth, including 83% of self-reported opponents of LGBTQ+ rights.

The survey categorized Black people's support for LGBTQ+ rights into three groups: 29% as Active Accomplices, 25% as Passive Allies (with high potential to be moved), and 35% as Opponents. The main barriers for opponents were "competing priorities" and "religious beliefs."

Additional insights from the survey include:

10% of participants identified as LGBTQ. Within this group, 38% identified as bisexual, 33% as lesbian or gay, 28% as non-binary or gender non-conforming, and 6% as transgender.

Among Black LGBTQ+ individuals, 89% believe the Black community should do more to support them, 69% feel they have fewer rights and freedoms than other Black people, and 54% feel their vote holds significant power. Additionally, 51% live in urban areas, and 75% rarely or never attend church.

The survey highlights the complex landscape of support and challenges within the Black community regarding LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance. The NBJC's efforts to shed light on these issues aim to foster greater understanding and advocacy for Black LGBTQ+ individuals. Source: Washington Blade