![Is There a “Gay Gene"?](https://ts2.mm.bing.net/th?q=Is There a “Gay Gene"?)
LGBTQ+ Identification in U.S. Rises to 9.3%
Estimates as to the number of gay people in the population range from 1-in to 1-in, so why are some people gay? Are they gay by choice or is being gay genetic? The simplest answer is to look at the definition of the word "gay." The term gay is a synonym for homosexual, which is defined as, 1,2 "Of, pertaining to, or exhibiting sexual desire or behavior directed toward a person or persons. Posted March 13, Reviewed by Devon Frye. He explained that this split had come about over a disagreement about whether to accept LGBTQ persons into their congregations.
Gay
Today, 96% of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer adults in the United States say they have told someone that they are or might be LGBTQ. The Center conducts high-quality research to inform the public, journalists and decision-makers. These types of analyses allow us to provide a composite snapshot of American identity. 
Is There a “Gay Gene"?
LGBTQ people are individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. Many variants [a] of the initialism are used, such as those incorporating questioning, intersex, asexual, aromantic, agender, and other individuals. [1][2] The group is generally conceived as broadly encompassing all individuals who are part of a sexual or gender minority. By Sara Reardon. Controversial results released in suggested a genetic link between bisexuality and risk-taking , but many researchers found flaws in the methodology.
Why Are People Gay? Gay By Choice or Is Being Gay Genetic?
People don’t decide who they’re attracted to, and therapy, treatment, or persuasion won’t change a person’s sexual orientation. You also can’t “turn” a person gay. For example, exposing a boy to toys traditionally made for girls, such as dolls, won’t cause him to be gay. Estimates as to the number of gay people in the population range from 1-in to 1-in, so why are some people gay? Are they gay by choice or is being gay genetic? What causes sexual orientation?
What’s more, the growth in LGBTQ identity is primarily being driven by an increase of bisexuality, it’s not due to more gay and lesbian people coming out. The number of Americans who identify as bisexual has exploded, especially among young women. The Gallup data shows that nearly one-quarter of young women identify as bisexual. This represents an increase of more than a percentage point versus the prior estimate, from Longer term, the figure has nearly doubled since and is up from 3. Understanding Gay & Lesbian Identities
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Gallup’s latest update on LGBTQ+ identification finds % of U.S. adults identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or something other than heterosexual in This represents an increase of more than a percentage point versus the prior estimate, from Longer term, the figure has nearly doubled since and is up from % in , when Gallup first. . 
What’s Behind the Rapid Rise in LGBTQ Identity?
A massive study of half a million people finds no single gene behind sexual orientation, adding more evidence that there is no “gay gene”. .
More than 9 in 10 LGBTQ adults in the U.S. are ‘out’ to someone
Gay sexuality, part of the Gayther: understanding and taking pride in sexuality series. Learn more about gay people with key facts. .