Gay related search terms have skyrocketed 1300% since 2004

[andy]

According to a new report by the market research firm Cultural Currents Institute, Google searches for phrases related to sexual orientation and gender identity have increased by 1,300% since 2004. The report analyzed Google Trends data from January 2004 to the present for five search terms: ”˜Am I gay’, ”˜Am I lesbian’, ”˜Am I trans’, ”˜How to come out’, and ”˜Nonbinary’.

The data shows a significant upward trend in these searches across the United States. Utah, a state known for its conservative social values, had the highest search volume for three of the five terms (”˜Am I gay’, ”˜Am I lesbian’, and ”˜Am I trans’) since last May. This may indicate that many people in Utah are questioning their identity and seeking information online.

Oklahoma had the highest search volume for the phrase ”˜How to come out’ in the past year, followed by West Virginia, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Kentucky. The report also found that the search volume for the term ”˜Nonbinary’ is limited but increasing. Vermont had the highest search volume for this term since last May.

These findings suggest that more people are using the internet to explore their sexuality and gender identity. As society becomes more accepting of diverse identities, it is likely that this trend will continue.

[Cridders88]

I guess it isn't surprising that the more conservative areas have the highest number of those searches, given that they will have less support from the community itself. Although times are changing for the better in a lot of places, there is still work to be done in others. There is also a big difference between tolerance and proper acceptance and love.