Sexual orientation: views on nature vs. nurture in the U.S. 1977-2018
Are people born gay or lesbian or does this develop due to upbringing and environmental factors?
This statistic shows the shift in Americans' views from 1977 to 2018 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 2018, 50 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?
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| Born with | Upbringing/environment | Both | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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% |
Source
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