- Homosexuality
- ⚢✔ Legal
- Gay Marriage
- ⚭✔ Legal
- Censorship
- Varies by Region
- Changing Gender
- ✔ Legal, surgery not required
- Non-binary gender recognition
- Varies by Region
- Discrimination
- Illegal in some contexts
- Employment Discrimination
- Varies by Region
- Housing Discrimination
- Varies by Region
- Adoption
- Varies by Region
- Military
- ✔ Legal
- Donating Blood
- ✖ Banned (3-month deferral)
- Conversion Therapy
- Varies by Region
- Age of Consent
- Varies by Region
Suggest Public Opinion Data
Jun 15, 2020–-0001
Jul 16, 2015–-0001
Until -0001
Public Opinion
Views on same-sex marriage or other legal recognition
Ranked #15 out of 27 countries surveyed. (Source: Ipsos, April–May, 2021)
(15%) Against
Support (72%)
Views on same-sex couples' right to adopt
Ranked #8 out of 27 countries surveyed. (Source: Ipsos, April–May, 2021)
(22%) Disagree
Agree (72%)
Acceptance of homosexuals as neighbors
Ranked #22 out of 79 countries surveyed. (Source: World Values Survey, 2017-2020)
Question: "On this list are various groups of people. Could you please mention any that you would not like to have as neighbors?"
(12.7%) Mentioned homosexuals
Did not mention homosexuals (81.1%)
Justifiability of homosexuality
Ranked #19 out of 79 countries surveyed. (Source: World Values Survey, 2017-2020)
Question: "Please tell me for each of the following statements whether you think it can always be justified, never be justified, or something in between."
(25.1%) Not justifiable
Justifiable (47.6%)
Opinion on same-sex couples as parents
Ranked #14 out of 74 countries surveyed. (Source: World Values Survey, 2017-2020)
Question: "Homosexual couples are as good parents as other couples"
(16.6%) Disagree
Agree (52.8%)
"Should society accept homosexuality?" (2019)
Ranked #11 out of 34 countries surveyed. (Source: Pew Research Center, May–October, 2019)
Question: "Should society accept homosexuality?"
(21%) No
Yes (72%)
"Should society accept homosexuality?" (2013)
Ranked #13 out of 39 countries surveyed. (Source: Pew Research Center, June, 2013)
Question: "Should society accept homosexuality?"
(33%) No
Yes (60%)
Perceived Acceptance of Gay People
Ranked #14 out of 119 countries surveyed. (Source: Gallup, 2013)
Question: "Is the city or area where you live a good place or not a good place for homosexuals?"
(22%) Not a good place
Good place (70%)
By The Numbers
70%
of adults support same-sex marriage
83%
of Democrats
73%
of Independents
55%
of Republicans
84%
of 18-34 year-olds
72%
of 35-54 year-olds
60%
of 55+ year-olds
(Pew Research Center, 2021)
42%
of U.S. LGBTQ youth (ages 13–24) seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year
52%
of U.S. transgender & non-binary youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year
(The Trevor Project, 2021)
26%
of U.S. LGBTQ youth (ages 13–24) identify as non-binary
20%
are not sure or questioning if they are transgender
(The Trevor Project, 2021)
11.1%
of U.S. LGBTQ adults identifying as non-binary
(The Williams Institute, 2021)
5.6%
of U.S. adults identifying as LGBT
(Gallup, 2021)
History
Homosexual activity in United States is legal.
Current status
Since Jun 26, 2003
Since Jun 26, 2003
Legal
Homosexual activity is legal in the United States.
Same-sex marriage in United States is legal.
Current status
Since Jun 26, 2015
Since Jun 26, 2015
Legal
In a ruling by the US Supreme Court, all 50 states must now issue marriage licenses for same sex couples and recognize same-sex marriages performed in any state.
Right to change legal gender in United States is legal, surgery not required.
Legal recognition of non-binary gender in United States is varies by region.
Current status
Varies by Region
Non-binary gender is recognized in some states and jursidictions.
Recognized
- Colorado 2020
- California 2018
Not legally recognized
LGBT discrimination in United States is illegal in some contexts.
Current status
Since Jun 15, 2020
Since Jun 15, 2020
Illegal in some contexts
Employment distribution protection for sexual orientation and gender identity is now included in "sex" in Title VII. Other forms of protection (housing for example) are not yet present.
Illegal in some contexts
In all Federal positions, discrimination based on sexual orientation is against the law in instances related to work and employment. In non-federal government jobs, it is based on the state's laws as no federal protections currently exist for non-employees. Additionally, even federal employees could face discrimination unrelated to work in areas of life such as housing, health care, etc. In fact, many groups are advocating the repeal of protections or the introduction of laws to permit discrimination.
Illegal in some contexts
sexual orientation and gender identity considered an aggravated circumstance. Sexual orientation and gender identity is covered under the Matthew Shepard and James Bird Act under subsection (a)2 . Nationwide state employment anti-discrimination laws pending. Nationwide employment Discrimination protection pending. Nationwide hate crime law pending.
LGBT employment discrimination in United States is varies by region.
Current status
Varies by Region
Some states offer lgbt discrimination protections and others don’t
Sexual orientation and gender identity
- New York 2018
- Utah 2015
- Guam 2015
- Maryland 2014
- Delaware 2013
- Puerto Rico 2013
- Massachusetts 2012
- Connecticut 2011
- Hawaii 2011
- Nevada 2011
- Oregon 2008
- Colorado 2007
- Iowa 2007
- New Jersey 2007
- Vermont 2007
- Washington 2006
- Illinois 2006
- Washington, D.C. 2006
- Maine 2005
- California 2004
- New Mexico 2003
- Rhode Island 2001
- Minnesota 1993
- Northern Mariana Islands
- United States Minor Outlying Islands
- U.S. Virgin Islands
Sexual orientation only
- New Hampshire 1998
- Wisconsin 1982
No protections
- Virginia 2014
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Ambiguous
Sexual orientation and gender identity
As of June 15, 2020, all persons working for employers that employ more than 15 people are protected from discrimination based solely on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity via the Supreme Court's landmark decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia
Sexual orientation and gender identity
National state discrimination protection pending. National Hate Crime Law Pending.
Jun 15, 2020–-0001
Jul 16, 2015–-0001
Sexual orientation and gender identity
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has ruled that “[A]llegations of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation necessarily state a claim of discrimination on the basis of sex”, and are barred by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This ruling applies at both the state and federal level.
Furthermore, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ruled on April 20, 2012 that an employer who discriminates against an employee or applicant on the basis of the person’s gender identity is violating the prohibition on sex discrimination contained in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Furthermore, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ruled on April 20, 2012 that an employer who discriminates against an employee or applicant on the basis of the person’s gender identity is violating the prohibition on sex discrimination contained in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Until -0001
No protections
At this time the Federal government has made no laws preventing discrimination at a national level to all employers, but the EEOC does prevent it in Federal government jobs. Since the federal government has no laws protecting public and private sector employees, it is marked as no protections since this designation fits more in line with how this classification is used in other regions. However, the US does have states and cities where discrimination is illegal for all employers.
LGBT housing discrimination in United States is varies by region.
Current status
Varies by Region
Housing protections are administered at nearly all levels of government for housing -- if at all. From local city ordinances to federal law, protections are very scattered, and in general, few explicit laws exist to provide housing protections.
Sexual orientation and gender identity
- Utah 2015
- Guam 2015
- Delaware 2013
- Puerto Rico 2013
- California 2006
- Washington 2006
- New Mexico 2003
- Minnesota 1993
- Colorado
- Hawaii
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- United States Minor Outlying Islands
- Vermont
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Washington, D.C.
Sexual orientation only
No protections
- Kansas 2000
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Tennessee
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Ambiguous
Same-sex adoption in United States is varies by region.
Current status
Since Apr 1, 1986
Since Apr 1, 1986
Varies by Region
Full joint adoption by same-sex couples is currently legal in the certain states.
Legal
- Puerto Rico 2018
- Wyoming 2016
- Mississippi 2016
- Nebraska 2015
- Northern Mariana Islands 2015
- Utah 2014
- Wisconsin 2014
- Arkansas 2011
- Maine 2007
- Colorado 2004
- California 2003
- Pennsylvania 2002
- Connecticut 2000
- New Jersey 1995
- Massachusetts 1993
- Vermont 1993
- Florida 1992
- Louisiana 1982
- Alaska 1974
- Delaware
- Guam
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- United States Minor Outlying Islands
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Washington
- Washington, D.C.
Married couples only
Single only
- American Samoa 2017
- Kentucky 2008
- Ohio 1998
- Alabama
- Kansas
- Michigan
- North Dakota
Ambiguous
Serving openly in military in United States is legal.
Current status
Since Jan 25, 2021
Since Jan 25, 2021
Legal
Biden administration overturns Trump administration's policy against transgender people serving in the military.
Lesbians, gays, bisexuals permitted, transgender people banned
New policy goes into effect barring individuals with a "condition" known as "gender dysphoria."
Lesbians, gays, bisexuals permitted, transgender people banned
Transgender individual can serve, however, the policy "will require an individual to have completed any medical treatment that their doctor has determined is necessary in connection with their gender transition, and to have been stable in their preferred gender for 18 months, as certified by their doctor, before they can enter the military."
Legal
The US Army repealed the ban to serve for openly transgender individuals
Lesbians, gays, bisexuals permitted, transgender people banned
Lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals are permitted to serve openly in the military, however, transgender individuals are still banned.
Don't Ask, Don't Tell
Don't Ask, Don't Tell was the historic compromise signed by President Bill Clinton authorizing people who are LGBT to serve in the military provided they didn't disclose sexuality. The law also removed the ability for others in the military from asking for a service member's orientation.
Blood donations by MSMs in United States is banned (3-month deferral).
Current status
Since Apr 2, 2020
Since Apr 2, 2020
Banned (3-month deferral)
The FDA announced changes to blood donor eligibility policy on 2nd April 2020, reducing the MSM deferral period from 12 months to 3 months.
Banned (1-year deferral)
After a series of recommendations, the FDA has moved to a 12 months deferral.
Conversion therapy in United States is varies by region.
Current status
Varies by Region
Conversion therapy is legal in every US state except CA and NJ. Can't Convert Love is the sole organization whose sole mission is banning conversion therapy nation-wide. MN and IN are in the starting phase of attempting to ban the therapy.
Banned
- Minnesota 2021
- Utah 2020
- Maine 2019
- Colorado 2019
- Massachusetts 2019
- Washington 2018
- Hawaii 2016
- Vermont 2016
- Illinois 2015
- Washington, D.C. 2014
- New Jersey 2013
- California 2012
- Maryland
- United States Minor Outlying Islands
Not banned
Ambiguous
- Oregon 2015
- Alabama
- Alaska
- American Samoa
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Equal age of consent in United States is varies by region.
Current status
Varies by Region
Age of Consent is not set at a national level. It is determined by the states, ranging between 16 and 18.
Equal
- Nevada 2013
- Florida 2010
- New Jersey 2006
- Puerto Rico 2004
- Arkansas 2001
- U.S. Virgin Islands 1986
- Northern Mariana Islands 1983
- American Samoa 1980
- Guam 1978
- Kentucky 1975
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- United States Minor Outlying Islands
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Washington, D.C.
Ambiguous
LGBT Rights by State
View the LGBT laws in each individual state of United States.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- American Samoa (Outlying Area)
- Guam (Outlying Area)
- Northern Mariana Islands (Outlying Area)
- Puerto Rico (Outlying Area)
- United States Minor Outlying Islands (Outlying Area)
- U.S. Virgin Islands (Outlying Area)
- Washington, D.C. (Federal District)
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