New HRC Data: Despite Political Headwinds, LGBTQ+ People Are Choosing Visibility Ahead of 2026 Midterms

WASHINGTON — Even as more than half of LGBTQ+ adults (56%) say the current political climate makes them less likely to be open about who they are, LGBTQ+ people continue to build visibility and support for equality, according to new HRC Foundation data released ahead of National Coming Out Day on October 11. Most (85%) LGBTQ+ people are currently somewhat or very open about their LGBTQ+ identity with other people. One-third (33%) of LGBTQ+ adults say they are more open than two years ago, compared with 22% who say they are less open. Younger adults are leading this shift, with about 40% of those ages 18 to 34 saying they are more open, while older adults are more likely to be very open to others, and their openness has held steady over the past two years. 

Importantly, respondents see a connection between being known and building support for the community: 84% say wanting to build support for equality makes them more likely to be open. 92% agree that more openly LGBTQ+ people helps build public support for equal rights and protections. 

With midterm elections less than a month away, HRC is calling on LGBTQ+ people and allies to take that commitment to positive change to the ballot box.  

The Stakes Are Highest for Transgender People 

70% of transgender and gender-expansive adults say the current political climate makes them less likely to be open about who they are. At the same time, 78% of LGBTQ+ adults believe acceptance for transgender and nonbinary people has declined over the past two years. Concern reaches beyond the transgender community too: 45% say they feel acceptance of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people has declined. 

Building Community in the Open 

LGBTQ+ people are still showing up for each other. 65% feel connected to the broader community. In the past year, 55% visited an LGBTQ+ bar, cafe, bookstore or community center, and 49% attended Pride or another large community event. That spirit runs deep. National Coming Out Day was founded in 1988 on the anniversary of the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, when hundreds of thousands showed up for each other and for their rights. Coming out has been political from the start. Artist Keith Haring created the day’s iconic artwork, and HRC has carried the legacy forward through leading the observance nationally for decades. 

Come Out to Vote: Make a Plan, Bring Your Community

12% of U.S. adults now identify as LGBTQ+. 40 of 50 states have an LGBTQ+ population greater than 10%. Together with our families and allies, equality voters can decide elections. HRC urges everyone to: 

• Check their voter registration status today; 
• Make a plan to vote early, by mail or on Election Day; 
• Bring two or three friends to the polls. 

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people, with 4 million members and supporters. The HRC Foundation (a 501(c)(3)) works to ensure LGBTQ+ people are safe, seen and supported where it matters most: at school, at work and in every community across the country. From the courtroom to the classroom, from Congress to corporate America, HRC and the HRC Foundation build power through partnerships, storytelling, and action—working to create a future rooted in equity, freedom and belonging for all LGBTQ+ people.