Updated for Pride Month 2026, GLAAD released results from a poll on the first day of Pride showing support for corporate sponsorship of inclusive events and merchandise, and rejection by a supermajority of registered voters of candidates who prioritize targeting transgender people in political campaigns.
Poll results and downloadable graphics here.
The poll, conducted by MRI-Simmons between March 16 and April 2, 2026, reveals:
- 44% of registered voters say “Increasing Costs or Inflation” is their number one concern
- 74% of registered voters are more likely to support a midterm candidate who says “we all deserve the freedom to live our lives without fear of discrimination.”
- 70% of registered voters are more likely to support a midterm candidate who says: “We should focus more on lowering the cost of living and creating jobs, than on issues about transgender people, like restricting government IDs or healthcare for transgender people.”
- 65% of registered voters believe politicians are often using transgender issues as a distraction from more important priorities.
- Only 8% of registered voters say: “Transgender issues are a top concern.”
Regarding corporate support for Pride including events, merchandise, and inclusive ad campaigns, the poll of U.S. adults found:
- 68% agree brands/companies should be able to show support to the LGBTQ community during Pride if they want to.
- 62% are comfortable with brands allowing employees to march in Pride parades.
- 61% believe public corporate support of the LGBTQ community has a positive impact on the acceptance of LGBTQ people.
- 76% are more likely to trust a brand that sticks to its values and stands up for what is right, even if it is controversial.
- 73% feel CEOs have a responsibility to speak up about issues that matter to their consumers and shareholders.
Previously released GLAAD research (2023) found that inclusion, when done effectively and with unwavering support for the communities they represent, is good for the bottom line. GLAAD research continues to show that a majority of consumers supported LGBTQ brand engagement during Pride Month, but especially beyond June.
Current State of Anti-LGBTQ Violence
- In 2025, GLAAD’s ALERT Desk tracked 1,042 anti-LGBTQ incidents in 47 US states and the District of Columbia. These included 128 acts of hateful vandalism, 76 violent assaults, 22 threats of mass violence, and 15 arson attempts. This is up from 984 incidents tracked in 2024, a 5% increase in hate.
- Over half (532) of all tracked incidents in 2025 specifically targeted transgender and gender non-conforming people, a 10% increase from 2024.
- Pride 2025 saw a dramatic rise in incidents, making it one of the most dangerous years on record for LGBTQ Americans. The ALERT Desk tracked 268 incidents during June 2025, a nearly 400% increase from the 54 incidents tracked in June 2022 when GLAAD began its data collection.
- Updated quarterly, GLAAD’s ALERT Desk map seeks to provide users with up-to-date numbers on anti-LGBTQ incidents nationwide. Users are also able to dive deeper into these statistics by filtering for incidents that specifically target drag performers / events; medical care providers of transgender and gender non-conforming people; schools and libraries; and attacks on Pride flags and other related symbols. You can visit the ALERT Desk’s incident reporting form here.
Support for the LGBTQ Community
- 91% of non-LGBTQ Americans agree that LGBTQ people should have the freedom to live their life and not be discriminated against (GLAAD)
- According to Gallup, the percent of LGBTQ Americans is up over 160% since 2012.
- Gen Z adults are 2x more likely to BE LGBTQ, 1.6x more likely to KNOW someone in our community, and 1.2x more likely to SUPPORT us. (Gallup 2023, GLAAD’s Accelerating Acceptance 2023, GLAAD’s Advertising Visibility Index 2023)
The LGBTQ Community in Corporate America
- Most Americans believe that business leaders should lead the charge– 53% expect CEOs to inform and shape conversations and policy debates about LGBTQ rights. Even more, 59% of Americans say that if business devoted significant resources to protecting the rights of the LGBTQ community it could have a positive impact.
- Across demographics, Americans seek out employers who take a stand in support of LGBTQ rights: If a brand publicly supports and demonstrates a commitment to expanding and protecting LGBTQ rights, Americans are 2x more likely to buy or use the brand and those aged 18-34 are 5.5x more likely to want to work at a company if it publicly supports and demonstrates a commitment to expanding and protecting LGBTQ rights.
Findings from a 2023 GLAAD and Ipsos poll show a majority of Americans are not opposed to corporate support of Pride:
- Americans are nearly twice as likely to say they would want to back companies facing criticism for supporting people in the LGBTQ community, rather than their critics.
- 74% of Americans are neutral or positively impacted by knowing a company offers Pride merchandise.
- 2 out of 3 Americans are neutral to positive about Pride merchandise in a store seeing it as no different than offering products with a sports team logo or other specialized designs.
- 59% of Americans believe companies offering Pride merchandise are showing support and acceptance of the LGBTQ community.
Learn in our press release more about what we are doing this year here.
