Spatial/Social Location of LGBT Persons

While data resources to better understand the geographic distribution of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals in the United States are improving, gaps in our understanding of the spatial and social locations of the U.S. LGBT population remain. In addition to a paucity of data, challenges in interpreting LGBT spatial patterns—the geographic distribution of LGBT-identifying individuals, same-sex couples, and their families—are likely associated with differences in social stigma or acceptance across localities. In geographic areas where stigmatizing social and legal environments are more prevalent, it is conceivable that LGBT individuals might be reluctant to identify. It is also possible that LGBT individuals disproportionately relocate to localities that offer greater levels of acceptance and support. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to determine the degree ...