New Study: 6 million American children and adults have an LGBT parent

As many as six million children and adults living in the U.S. have an LGBT parent, according to findings from a national study released today by Williams Institute Distinguished Scholar, Gary J. Gates.

Gates used analysis from several data sources, including the 2008/2010 General Social Survey, the Gallup Daily Tracking Survey, Census 2010, and the Census Bureau’s 2011 American Community Survey (ACS).

He said of the study, “These analyses highlight the diversity and prevalence of LGBT parents and their children in the U.S. The data show that LGBT families are clearly part of modern American life.”

“LGBT Parenting in the United States” provides a demographic portrait of LGBT parenting in the United States. The report found that same-sex couple parents and their children are more likely to be racial and ethnic minorities. An estimated 39 percent of individuals in same-sex couples with children under age 18 at home are non-white, as are half of their children. LGBT parents live in states from coast to coast, but many do not actually live on the coasts. States with the highest proportions of same-sex couples raising biological, adopted or step-children include Mississippi (26%), Wyoming (25%), Alaska (23%), Idaho (22%), and Montana (22%).

Article adapted by ProudParenting from original press release