24% high school students in the U.S. identifies as gay, bi or questioning

1 in 4 high school students in the U.S. identifies as gay, bi, or questioning according to the latest Centers for Disease Control annual report.

The latest figures come from a 2021 survey of 17,232 students between the ages of 14 and 18. About 3/4 claimed a sole attraction to the opposite sex.

Of the rest, nearly 12% considered themselves bi, just over 3% either gay or lesbian and 9% ‘other’, which could include those who identify as pansexual, asexual or questioning.

The number of people identifying as LGBTQIA+ increases every year. So, 24% high school students identifying as gay, bi, or questioning sets a new but not unexpected record.

Experts attribute the increase to more people feeling comfortable being open about their sexual orientation and identities.

The Centers for Disease Control urged schools to create a more inclusive environment for queer teens. It recommended initiatives such as gender and sexuality alliances, curating safe spaces and enforcing anti-harassment policies.

Check the report here.

U.S. adults identifying as LGBTQ reached 7.1% according to Gallup