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what percentage of the us population is transgender ?

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In a groundbreaking study by the Williams Institute, it has been revealed that over 1.6 million individuals aged 13 and older in the United States identify as transgender. This figure represents approximately 0.6% of the population in this age group, shedding light on the significant presence of the transgender community within the nation.

A closer look at the demographics shows a distinction between adults and youth in their identification as transgender. About 0.5% of adults, which translates to roughly 1.3 million people, identify as transgender. In contrast, the youth (ages 13 to 17) demonstrate a higher percentage, with 1.4% (around 300,000 individuals) acknowledging their transgender identity. This data underscores the growing awareness and acceptance among the younger generation regarding gender identity.

The study also delves into the breakdown of gender identity within the transgender population. It finds that 38.5% of transgender adults are transgender women, 35.9% are transgender men, and 25.6% identify as gender nonconforming. This diversity highlights the varied experiences and identities within the transgender community.

Interestingly, the study notes a significant age-related trend. Youth are more likely to identify as transgender compared to older adults, with 1.4% of those aged 13 to 17 identifying as transgender, in contrast to just 0.3% of adults aged 65 or older. This trend may reflect changing societal attitudes and greater acceptance of diverse gender identities among younger generations.

transgender population
transgender population

In terms of racial and ethnic distribution, the transgender population mirrors the general U.S. population, with a slightly higher representation of Latinx individuals and a lower representation of White individuals. This suggests a diverse transgender community that cuts across different racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Geographically, the distribution of the transgender population varies across the United States. The Northeast region shows the highest percentage of transgender youth, while the percentages vary across different states. This geographical variation may reflect differences in cultural, social, and policy environments across the country.

The Williams Institute’s study is a testament to the steady presence of the transgender community in the U.S. It provides valuable insights into the demographics and characteristics of this community, highlighting the importance of understanding and addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by transgender individuals.

According to the study mentioned in the article:

  • Nearly 1.64 million people over the age of 13 in the United States identify themselves as transgender. This estimate is based on an analysis of newly expanded federal health surveys.
  • The study estimates that about 0.5% of all U.S. adults, which amounts to approximately 1.3 million people, identify as transgender.
  • Additionally, about 1.4%, or 300,000, of youth between the ages of 13 and 17 identify as transgender.
  • The analysis was conducted by researchers at the Williams Institute, a think tank at UCLA’s Law School focused on gender identity public policy.
  • The percentage and number of adults who identify as transgender have “remained steady” since the institute’s last estimates in reports from 2016 and 2017.

This study provides a comprehensive view of the transgender population in the U.S., highlighting the prevalence and distribution of transgender individuals across different age groups.

transgender population
transgender population
To enhance the article on the transgender population in the United States, information from the Williams Institute’s publication titled “How Many Adults and Youth Identify as Transgender in the United States?” can be integrated. This publication provides updated and detailed data on the transgender population in the U.S. Here are some key points from the Williams Institute’s study:
  1. Updated Population Estimates: The study uses recent data from the CDC’s Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) to update the number of adults and youth who identify as transgender in the U.S. Over 1.6 million adults (ages 18 and older) and youth (ages 13 to 17) identify as transgender, which is about 0.6% of those ages 13 and older.
  2. Breakdown by Age Group: Among U.S. adults, 0.5% (about 1.3 million adults) identify as transgender. Among youth ages 13 to 17, 1.4% (about 300,000 youth) identify as transgender.
  3. Gender Identity Distribution: Of the 1.3 million adults who identify as transgender, 38.5% are transgender women, 35.9% are transgender men, and 25.6% reported they are gender nonconforming.
  4. Age and Transgender Identity: The study finds that youth ages 13 to 17 are significantly more likely to identify as transgender (1.4%) than adults ages 65 or older (0.3%).
  5. Racial/Ethnic Distribution: The racial/ethnic distribution of youth and adults who identify as transgender appears generally similar to the U.S. population. However, there is a higher representation of Latinx individuals and a lower representation of White individuals among the transgender population compared to the overall U.S. population.
  6. Regional and State-Level Estimates: The study provides estimates of the percentage of residents in U.S. regions who identify as transgender, with the highest percentage in the Northeast for youth and varying percentages across states.
  7. Steady Numbers Over Time: The percentage and number of adults who identify as transgender have remained steady over time, according to the study’s estimates from 2016-2017 and the current report.
  8. Increased Visibility of Transgender Youth: The availability of YRBS data has given a more direct look into youth gender identity, showing that youth ages 13 to 17 comprise a larger share of the transgender-identified population than previously estimated.

This comprehensive data from the Williams Institute provides a more nuanced understanding of the transgender population in the United States, highlighting the diversity and distribution across different age groups, genders, races, and regions. Integrating this data into the article can offer readers a deeper insight into the demographics and characteristics of the transgender community in the U.S.

 

Category Details
Total Transgender Population Over 1.6 million (ages 13 and older)
Percentage of Population 0.6% of those ages 13 and older
Adults Identifying as Transgender 0.5% (about 1.3 million adults)
Youth Identifying as Transgender 1.4% (about 300,000 youth ages 13 to 17)
Transgender Women 38.5% of transgender adults
Transgender Men 35.9% of transgender adults
Gender Nonconforming 25.6% of transgender adults
Age Group Comparison Youth (13-17) more likely to identify as transgender (1.4%) than adults 65 or older (0.3%)
Racial/Ethnic Distribution Similar to U.S. population, but more Latinx and less White compared to overall U.S. population
Regional Distribution Highest in Northeast for youth; varies across states
Steadiness Over Time Percentage and number of transgender adults remained steady from 2016-2017 to current report
Visibility of Transgender Youth Youth (13-17) comprise a larger share of the transgender population than previously estimated