Most LGBTQ Adults in U.S. Are ‘Out’ — But Not to Everyone

New data sheds light on LGBTQ coming out, identity, and acceptance ahead of National Coming Out Day

As West Hollywood and the country mark National Coming Out Day on October 11, a new report reveals just how far visibility has come — and how far it still has to go.

According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in January 2025, 96% of LGBTQ adults in the U.S. have come out to at least one person, while 3% say they’ve told no one about their sexual orientation or gender identity. The data, first reported by Jenn Hatfield, comes as West Hollywood and LGBTQ communities across the country celebrate a day dedicated to honoring the courage of coming out.

But the numbers also reveal a more nuanced picture of LGBTQ identity in 2025 — particularly when it comes to when people come out and to whom.

Coming Out Starts Early — But Often Stays Private

While 58% of LGBTQ adults say they first felt they might be queer before age 14, only a fraction — 14% — say they told anyone at that age. The majority (63%) waited until they were between 14 and 24 before coming out to someone, according to Pew’s findings.

Among groups, gay and lesbian adults are the most likely to say they were aware of their identity at a young age. 71% say they realized they were gay or lesbian before turning 14, compared with 58% of transgender adults and 50% of bisexual adults.

The study also shows a generational divide: nearly half of LGBTQ adults under 50 say they came out before age 18, compared to just 24% of those 50 and older.

Out to Some — But Not to All

Even among those who are out, the study found many LGBTQ Americans are selective about who they’ve told:

• 32% are not out to any extended family members

• 25% aren’t out to any of their co-workers

• 23% haven’t come out to their parents or guardians

• 18% aren’t out to any siblings

• 5% aren’t out to any friends

Bisexual adults in particular were less likely to be fully out — about one-third say their parents don’t know about their identity.

How Accepting Are the People in LGBTQ Lives?

Coming out doesn’t always guarantee acceptance, though many LGBTQ adults say the people who do know have been supportive. Among those who are out:

• 69% say all of their siblings who know are accepting

• 61% say the same about their friends

• Only 46% say their parents or guardians are fully accepting

Transgender adults, in particular, report lower levels of acceptance than gay, lesbian, or bisexual adults.

Perception of Acceptance in the U.S. Today

When asked about social acceptance in the U.S., responses varied by identity:

• 61% say there’s “a great deal” or “fair amount” of acceptance for lesbian or gay people

• 52% say the same for bisexual people

• Only 14% and 13%, respectively, feel that nonbinary and transgender people are widely accepted

As West Hollywood continues to serve as a hub for LGBTQ visibility, allyship, and activism, this data serves as a timely reminder that coming out is still a deeply personal — and at times complicated — journey. National Coming Out Day isn’t just a celebration; it’s a call to continue building safer, more supportive communities for everyone in the LGBTQ spectrum.

Source: Pew Research Center – “The Experiences of LGBTQ Americans Today,” January 2025. First reported by Jenn Hatfield.