Growing Support for Gay Marriage: Changed Minds and Changing Demographics

[brooklynite]

Source: Pew Research Center

The rise in support for same-sex marriage over the past decade is among the largest changes in opinion on any policy issue over this time period. A new national survey finds that much of the shift is attributable to the arrival of a large cohort of young adults – the Millennial generation – who are far more open to gay rights than previous generations. Equally important, however, is that 14% of all Americans – and 28% of gay marriage supporters – say they have changed their minds on this issue, often because they have a family member or friend who is gay.

The long-term shift in the public’s views about same-sex marriage is unambiguous. Polling conducted in 2003 found most Americans (58%) opposed to allowing gays and lesbians to marry legally, and just a third (33%) in favor. The new survey by the Pew Research Center, conducted March 13-17, 2013 among 1,501 adults nationwide, confirms that these figures have crossed, with 49% supporting same-sex marriage, and 44% opposed.

The new survey finds 70% of “Millennials” – born since 1980 and age 18-32 today – in favor of same-sex marriage. That is far higher than the support among older generations. But two other factors also make the views of this group significant. Millennial support for same-sex marriage has grown substantially over the past decade, from 51% in 2003 to 70% today. And Millennials make up a larger share of the adult population today. In 2003, Millennials made up just 9% of the adult population. Today, 27% of adults are in the Millennial generation.

Support for same-sex marriage also has increased among older generations over the past decade. For example, in 2003, just 17% of those in the Silent generation – born between 1928 and 1945 – favored same-sex marriage; today 31% do.



Read more: http://www.people-press.org/2013/03/20/growing-support-for-gay-marriage-changed-minds-and-changing-demographics/

[Paul E Ester]

1. This trend is bigger than implied in the story.

As the LGBT community gains acceptance, as it assimilates into the wider culture, they become less of a community in some sense.

The rise of the Castro in San Francisco occurred because it was a refuge where mostly gay men could find a safe haven to express their identities, in any way that wanted. Today, there is no need to move to SF. Most gay men can find acceptance in their own communities, sometime more than SF (Can't marry in CA). As a result the gay community living in the Castro becomes smaller every year. The neighborhood has seen an influx of heterosexual couples that are slowly changing the neighborhood.

Once assimilated the LGBT community will cease to be a monolithic block with a shared agenda. Issues like economics will surface to divide rather than unite.

[NYC Liberal]

3. That's why it matters when well known people "come out"

For example, when Anderson Cooper came out, for example, lots of people said "So? Who cares?"

Well yes it shouldn't matter that he's gay. And in most ways it doesn't. But the more people who "come out" the more young kids struggling with their own sexuality and identity see that they aren't alone, and that might just give them the confidence to do the same.

[uppityperson]

2. SO looking forward to when this is not an issue.

[cbrer]

4. People waking the fuck up

And learning what freedom really means. I'm pleased to notice a trend towards declining religious affiliation, loss of credibility of the GOP, ongoing legalization of marijuana, and a new, more broad definition of personal freedom.

Now if we can just get those fuckers to convict white collar criminals, make the rich start paying their fair share, and stop spending our grandkids money.

[blkmusclmachine]

7. Not from these Democrats.

They wouldn't dare rock the boat. Would upset their paymasters on Wall ST.

[Hosnon]

5. Can't wipe the big ole gay grin off my face every time I read something like this.

The shift in just the last 3 years has been huge. Hopefully, SCOTUS sees the writing on the wall and won't hesitate to support equal rights.

[David__77]

6. I realized this evening that I'm still semi-closeted.

I'm a professional consultant, and it occurred to me that I share little information about my personal life, but I steer well clear of anything relating to my relationship and sexual orientation. That is a shame. I fear that it will hurt relations with clients.