A recent study proves what we’ve suspected all along: Google knows everything.
According to the Cultural Currents Institute, searches for queries like “Am I gay” skyrocketed by over 1300% in the last two decades.
Using Google Trends data from 2004 to 2023, the study also found terms like “Am I trans” and “How to come out” saw a similar surge. (Alexa, play “I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross!)
The numbers aren’t completely shocking when you consider a recent Gallup poll found that 7.1% of adults identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community –– more than double the numbers from 2012 when they began measuring it –– and that one in five Gen Z-ers identify as LGBTQ+.
That being said, sh*t gets real interesting when you look at the geography data for where LGBTQ+-related Google searches have exploded.
The notoriously conservative state of Utah led the pack with the most amount of self-questioning queries, topping the list for “Am I gay,” “Am I lesbian,” and “Am I trans.” (Iowa, Indiana, West Virginia, and New Hampshire rounded out the top five for the former search entry.)
Interestingly, the top five states for “how to come out” were Oklahoma, West Virginia, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Kentucky. The data suggests that LGBTQ+ people in these states might be struggling the most with living their authentic lives… which is not surprising considering all these states have little protections for LGBTQ+ people or a negative overall policy, according to the Movement Advancement Project.
However, the numbers show Google scouring is not just reserved for red-state Bible thumpers.
Notably, queries for “nonbinary” saw an uptick in recent years, but in more progressive states like Vermont, Oregon, Maine, Montana, and Washington.
So, what might be the reason Google is seeing more LGBTQ+ searches than ever before?
An influx of queer representation on TV certainly isn’t hurting. A 2022 GLAAD report found there’s a record-high number of LGBTQ+ series regulars on the airwaves, making up 11.9% of all characters. Shows like Heartstopper are exposing new audiences to feelings and relationships they otherwise may not have seen.
Also, a 2023 report from the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute revealed a 13.6% increase in openly-out LGBTQ+ elected officials in the past year alone. (The power of Legally Blonde The Musical!)
Finally, there’s just the almighty power of Google. The tech giant is reportedly the No. 1 most-visited website in the world, with approximately 83.9 billion page visits a month. Statistically speaking, there’s going to be some fruity people amongst the numbers!
And during a period of time where we’ve become accustomed to turning to the search engine for help (and seen the disintegration of Yahoo Answers and Ask Jeeves), it’s become one of our best resources for tracking down shirtless pics of celebs and learning about ourselves.
Perhaps the rise in search terms just means Lizzo was a prophet when she released this ABSOLUTE bop last year: “Everybody’s Gay.”
bachy
There is an easy answer to the question, “Am I gay?”
Animals which form herds, flocks, packs or tribes share genes relevant to same-sex bonding and commonly exhibit homosexual behaviors. These include penguins, dogs, llamas and humans.
Conversely, sea turtles, crocodiles, raccoons and moose are among the species which do not form herds or packs, do not have genes relevant to same-sex bonding, and do not exhibit homosexual behaviors.
abfab
Oh Jane Bachy Goodall where would we be without you! Love that!
ShaverC
Everyone wants to be “special”. It’s worth noting that older gay men just wanted to be treated as a person. “Queer” people now want special accommodation.
Kangol2
Older as in how old? Girl, open up a book about Stonewall and the protests that followed, and read up on numerous “older” gay men who were fighting for a lot more (equality, liberation, community, etc.) than being “treated as a person.”
gaym50ish
What is so special about rights that most Americans simply take for granted? The truth is quite the opposite. Every straight couple, married or unmarried, has always enjoyed special rights that did not apply to gay couples until same-sex marriage became legal in all U.S. states in 2015. Gay people have never fought for any “right” that was not already available to the majority of Americans.
abfab
Shaver….you’re special…for sure. Quit trying to be post-post-post progressive. You fail each time you do.
FreddieW
The first phrase I ever entered into a search engine (Alta Vista, I think) was “gay sex”, so I never needed to ask anyone.
abfab
Fascinating.