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
