Research over the past 25 years has consistently demonstrated that LGBT people are subject to greater stigma, prejudice and discrimination than heterosexual cisgender people. Research further shows that the experience of stigma and discrimination in areas such as employment, education, housing and public accommodations is associated with adverse physical and mental health outcomes and health disparities between LGBT and heterosexual cisgender people.
New findings from a representative sample of the United States population age 18 and older (N = 1,131, data collected by Gallup Inc. in February and November 2018), provides evidence of continued exposure to discrimination—despite some improvement in social conditions, such as greater public acceptance and the availability of marriage to same-sex partners.
Findings show that compared to their heterosexual cisgender peers, LGB cisgender people are significantly more likely to report experiences of discrimination at work and when seeking housing. They were also more likely to report being bullied often in their youth.
