As politicians across the United States ramp up their campaigns for the upcoming midterm elections, a major new survey indicates that the electorate’s focus is firmly fixed on economic survival rather than identity politics. Despite a concerted push from various political factions to place anti-transgender rhetoric and legislation at the center of their campaigns, a comprehensive poll released at the start of LGBTQ+ Pride Month by the media advocacy organization GLAAD shows that the vast majority of Americans are far more concerned with daily affordability. In layman’s terms, we all care more about being able to afford basic necessities than how someone identifies—even most of the homophobes.
The poll, which surveyed a massive sample of over 5,000 adults across the United States, revealed that only 8% of voters consider transgender issues to be a top priority as they head into the political season. Instead, an overwhelming majority of the electorate wants politicians to address tangible financial pressures. Specifically, 44% of registered voters identified inflation and the steadily rising cost of living as their number one concern—not surprising, given the current economy.
Even more interestingly, the data suggests that the aggressive political focus on anti-trans legislation is widely viewed by the public as an intentional strategy to avoid addressing core issues. According to the survey, 65% of respondents stated they felt that politicians often “scapegoat trans people as a distraction from other issues.” The public’s desire to move away from exclusionary politics is reflected in their voting preferences; seven in 10 respondents noted they would prefer a candidate who focuses on lowering the cost of living over one who prioritizes restricting transgender rights.
This appetite for unity over division is even more pronounced regarding broader social values. Nearly three-quarters of the people surveyed—almost 75%—expressed that they would support a midterm candidate who explicitly runs on the platform that “we all deserve the freedom to live our lives without fear or discrimination.”
The poll also dug into public sentiments regarding corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, particularly in an era where fewer companies have chosen to publicly align themselves with LGBTQ+ brands or sponsor Pride events. The findings showed a resilient baseline of support for corporate allyship. Sixty-eight percent of respondents agreed that brands and companies should be allowed to support LGBTQ+ people if they choose to do so, and 62% stated they are comfortable with companies marching in Pride parades. Furthermore, more than three-quarters of those polled emphasized that they trust a brand that stands up for its values and what is right, “even if it is controversial.”
The wide gap between current legislative trends and actual voter priorities highlights a growing exhaustion among everyday citizens. In a statement accompanying the release of the data, GLAAD CEO Sarah Kate Ellis summarized the core takeaway of the findings. “These results confirm what most Americans already believe: we are at our best when we treat our friends, family, and neighbors with basic dignity and respect,” Ellis says. “Voters are tired of divisive culture wars that distract from the real issues keeping families up at night like the skyrocketing costs of housing, fuel, healthcare, and groceries.”
