A record 23% of participants identify as non-binary, genderfluid, trans or intersex
BY GEORGIA DIMDORE-MILES, IMAGE BY PEXELS
Results of the DIVA survey 2023 are released today to coincide with the beginning of Lesbian Visibility Week. The report is an insightful read for anyone wanting to understand the lived experiences of people within our wonderful community, as we look toward the future and what the world could look like for LGBTQIA women and non-binary people.
Here at DIVA, we strive to constantly be aware of the experiences and challenges facing our community. Our survey is published in partnership with leading LGBTQIA charity Stonewall and Kantar, the people behind the world’s first Inclusion Index.
2,904 LGBTQIA women and non-binary people took part in this year’s survey, making it our largest survey to date. Of the respondents 35% identify as lesbian, 6% as gay, 41% as bisexual and 9% as asexual.
23% of participants identify at non-binary, genderfluid, trans or intersex
The results of the survey show that increasing numbers of respondents are identifying with a diverse range of gender expressions. Gen Z also had the highest percentage of non-binary respondents at 24% compared to 12% of Millennials, 9% of Gen X and 7% of Boomers and beyond.
Our survey also explored how open LGBTQIA women and non-binary people are about their sexual orientation.
81% of people feel they are able to be open with their sexuality with their close friends
The results of this prove there has been significant progress for many LGBTQIA women and non-binary people in terms of the acceptance they feel from their loved ones. One respondent from the UK said:
“As someone who subscribed to Sappho magazine back in the 1970s it is lovely to see people being out and proud – including my daughter. I found out what my orientation is, after scoffing at my daughter’s claim that there were hundreds of options. When I came across mine I cried when I found out that I have a flag!”
However we also found that:
Less than 50% of respondents felt they were able to be open about their sexual orientation with their local community
Statistics like this prove that the work of events like Lesbian Visibility Week are still vital for LGBTQIA women and non-binary people in the battle for visibility, safety and acceptance.
Safe spaces were also a focus of our survey. Whilst over 90% of participants found that they felt safe in their own homes, there was a different sentiment outside of these.
Only 25% of trans, intersex and non-binary people feel safe travelling abroad and a shocking 31% of the same groups feel safe in bars, pubs and nightclubs.
As one respondent from the UK said, “Unfortunately, there is growing transmisogyny – it feels like attitudes towards trans and nonbinary women are getting worse.”
In more positive news, since the pandemic it seems that many within our community are continuing to find love and connection. Whilst we found that 39% of respondents were single in 2021, in 2023 there has been a slight drop with 34% identifying as such.
You can access the survey results below or in the latest issue of DIVA magazine, which you can pre-order now here.
DIVA magazine celebrates 29 years in print in 2023. If you like what we do, then get behind LGBTQIA media and keep us going for another generation. Your support is invaluable.
