As President Joe Biden reaches his 100th day in office, GLAAD is releasing its poll of LGBTQ Americans and their sentiments on his overall job performance, COVID-19 response, and efforts to advance LGBTQ equality as well as prioritize LGBTQ appointments in the early days of his administration.
The poll of 800 LGBTQ adults also shows their concern about the closely-divided Senate’s ability to pass pro-equality legislation, and about the wave of anti-transgender bills proposed in dozens of states.
The poll was conducted by Pathfinder Opinion Research, April 15-20, 2021. Read the Pathfinder Opinion Research memo on the poll findings here.
“President Biden has earned the overwhelming support of LGBTQ people, because he and his administration have hit the ground running to reverse the immeasurable damage of the last four years and put the fight for full equality and acceptance back on the agenda at the White House,” GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said.
“It’s clear, however, that those who oppose our rights are not letting up, and anti-LGBTQ lawmakers and groups like the Family Research Council and the Alliance Defending Freedom have moved the battleground out to the states. Those groups are working day and night to undermine LGBTQ rights and put a target on the backs of the most vulnerable in our community — especially transgender youth.”
78% of LGBTQ adults say President Biden is doing an excellent or good job as president.
President Biden also gets high marks from LGBTQ Americans on his response to COVID-19, efforts to advance LGBTQ equality and racial equality, and his prioritizing of LGBTQ inclusion in hiring and political appointments.
COVID-19 response remains the number one issue for LGBTQ Americans, as it was in GLAAD’s post-election poll in late 2020. 43% of LGBTQ people say they plan to get the COVID-19 vaccine and 34% have already received at least one dose. 91% report they wear a mask in stores and businesses and 88% follow social distancing guidelines in public.
On Wednesday in his first address to Congress, President Biden urged the passage of the Equality Act and delivered a message to transgender people: “For all transgender Americans watching at home, especially young people, you’re so brave. I want you to know your president has your back.” (See the continually updated list of the administration’s LGBTQ policy efforts, statements and appointments on GLAAD’s Biden Accountability Tracker.)
But LGBTQ adults expressed concern about the U.S. Senate’s ability to pass pro-equality legislation. 78% report being very or somewhat concerned that the filibuster could block legislation like voting rights, immigration reform, gun safety and LGBTQ equality measures.
The poll described how supporters of the filibuster say the 60-vote requirement, rather than a vote passed by simple majority, encourages compromise and forces the Senate to be more deliberative, while opponents say the 60-vote requirement causes gridlock, and allows the minority party to obstruct the will of the majority.
47% of LGBTQ Americans say the Senate should end the filibuster.
43% of LGBTQ adults surveyed say they’d be less likely to vote for a senator who voted to keep the filibuster.
This year has also seen an unprecedented number of state legislatures introducing bills that target transgender people, with a focus on trans youth. So far, seven states (Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi, South Dakota, Tennessee and West Virginia) have passed laws or signed executive orders that restrict trans students from participating in school sports. Arkansas has passed another law banning gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth, the first law of its kind in the nation.
77% percent of LGBTQ Americans report that elected officials trying to pass laws that limit LGBTQ rights makes them feel unsafe in their community.
LGBTQ Americans also say elected officials and advocacy groups are the most influential to speak out against such bills, followed by religious organizations, companies and brands.
“It’s time for elected officials to stop using misinformation to target LGBTQ people — especially transgender youth. The consequences are severe for kids who see their elected leaders questioning their identities and singling them out for hate and abuse,” Ellis said.
“Our poll shows LGBTQ people want leadership from elected officials and companies to speak out and take action for equality and against these discriminatory bills. LGBTQ Americans want results from all those they helped put in office.”
METHODOLOGY: GLAAD’s 100 Days Poll
These findings represent the results of a survey conducted by Pathfinder Opinion Research from April 15-20, 2021 among n=800 LGBTQ adults in the United States. Interviews were conducted online utilizing a national research panel. Respondents were selected to represent the national LGBT population based on demographic estimates of this universe published by the Williams Institute and weighted by gender, age, race, education, and geographic region based on Williams Institute data. Within this sample of LGBTQ adults are subsets of registered voters (n=674) and registered voters who affirmed voting in the Presidential election (n=617).