Research Reveals 17% of Active Gamers Identify as LGBTQ

A new report from GLAAD, based on a Nielsen survey of 1,452 active PC and console gamers, has found that 17% of respondents identify as LGBTQ. The survey, conducted between June and August of the previous year, also discovered that the proportion of LGBTQ gamers increases among younger demographics, with 23-28% of those under 35 identifying as LGBTQ. In contrast, GLAAD notes that fewer than 2% of games on major platforms feature LGBTQ characters or storylines. The report also examines the gaming habits of LGBTQ players, finding similarities with non-LGBTQ players in terms of spending patterns, but differences in game preferences. LGBTQ respondents were more likely to play single-player and cooperative multiplayer games, but less likely to play competitive multiplayer titles, potentially due to the higher rates of harassment they experience. The report reveals that 52% of LGBTQ players have been harassed in games, compared to 28% of non-LGBTQ players, leading some to avoid or quit playing certain games.