LGBTQ+ Americans Twice as Likely to Believe in Astrology

LGBTQ+ Americans are twice as likely as their peers to engage in astrology in their daily lives, according to a new Pew Research survey. The survey records responses from nearly 10,000 Americans, with 54% being queer and trans adults that consult astrology or horoscopes at least yearly. 

Similarly, 33% of LGBTQ+ adults report that they consult tarot cards, a rate three times higher than the average adult. According to Them, the survey shows that 63% of LGBTQ+ women are most likely to consult astrology at least once a year. Nearly 21% of LGBTQ+ Americans say they rely at least a little on what they’ve learned from astrology, horoscopes, tarot cards, or fortune tellers to make major life decisions. 

Pew Research notes that despite there only being limited academic research on these subjects, media publications have covered the prevalence of New Age practices within the LGBTQ+ community. 

“LGBTQ+ people are more likely to believe in astrology to connect and express themselves to those around them,” says Olivia Graves, an occult practitioner. “Queer people enjoy engaging with personalities and making connections.”

“Things revolving around spiritualism and  mysticism are not usually structured and can be more subjective,” she adds. “That’s similar to how the LGBTQ+ community is. Everyone is more fluid (with sexuality and identities) and don’t usually fit into boxes.”

Zodiac signs were divided into 12 equal signs in 1500 BC by the Babylonians and were later incorporated into Greek divination. Ptolemy, an astronomer and author of Tatrabiblos, a core book in the history of Western astrology, helped popularize these 12 signs accords to Time.

What’s your sign?

Aquarius Jan. 20 – Feb. 18
Pisces Feb. 19 – March 20
Aries March 21-April 19
Taurus April 20-May 20
Gemini May 21-June 20
Cancer June 21-July 22
Leo July 23-Aug. 22
Virgo Aug. 23-Sept. 22
Libra Sept. 23-Oct. 22
 Scorpio Oct. 23-Nov. 21
Sagittarius Nov. 22-Dec. 21
Capricorn Dec. 22-Jan. 19

Photos courtesy DEPOS and Olivia Graves