Survey: Gay Men and Lesbians See U.S. Economy, Personal Finances Improving
Never let it be said that the gay and lesbian community isn’t optimistic. An online survey conducted between December 6 and 13, 2010, by Harris Interactive indicates that gay men and lesbians are more hopeful than their heterosexual counterparts regarding the U.S. economy and their personal finances.
The poll found that three-quarters (74 percent) of respondents believe the economy will improve or remain the same this year. However, four in ten gay and lesbian adults (39 percent) expect the 2011 economy to improve, while that optimistic attitude is held by only 29 percent of heterosexual adults.
When asked about their own financial security compared to last year, 30 percent of gay and lesbian adults agree that overall they feel more secure, while the same can be said of just 19 percent of heterosexual adults.
The survey polled 2,519 U.S. adults (ages 18 and over), of whom 312 self-identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender (LGBT).
“In tough economic times, nearly all households feel pain and make sacrifices,” noted Bob Witeck, CEO of Witeck-Combs Communications. “Same-sex couples and their families, in fact, have a more fragile safety net today under existing outdated laws and unequal policies. Nonetheless, they increasingly believe, more than others, that this recovery is becoming real and tangible.”
Based on several earlier surveys conducted by Harris Interactive, lesbians and gay men have consistently held more optimistic views on the economy. — Nancy Ford