Sexual orientation: views on nature vs. nurture in the U.S. 1977-2019

This statistic shows the shift in Americans' views from 1977 to 2019 as to whether people are born gay or lesbian, or their sexual orientation develops due to upbringing and environmental factors. In 1977, 13 percent of respondents stated that they believe people were born gay or lesbian. In 2019, 49 percent of respondents believed people were born gay or lesbian.

Are people born gay or lesbian or does this develop due to upbringing and environmental factors?

Characteristic	Born with	Upbringing/environment	Both
2019	49%	32%	11%
2018	50%	30%	10%
2016	46%	33%	12%
2015	51%	30%	8%
2014	42%	37%	9%
2013	47%	33%	9%
2012	40%	35%	11%
2011	40%	42%	6%
2010	36%	37%	12%
2009	35%	42%	12%
2008	41%	38%	9%
2007	42%	35%	11%
2006	42%	37%	11%
2005	38%	44%	10%
2004	37%	41%	11%
2003	38%	44%	11%
2002	40%	36%	12%
2001	40%	39%	9%
1999	34%	44%	13%
1996	31%	40%	13%
1989	19%	48%	12%
1982	17%	52%	13%
1977	13%	56%	14%

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Release date

July 2019

More information

Region

United States

Survey time period

1977 to 2019

Number of respondents

1,024*

Age group

18 years and older

Method of interview

Telephone interview

Supplementary notes

The source poses the question as follows: " In your view, is being gay or lesbian something a person is born with, (or) due to factors such as upbringing and environment?"

Missing percentage points to 100 percent are due to respondents stating "neither" or "no opinion".

*In 2019. The source does not provide the exact number of respondents for each year.

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