The document discusses several studies and data sources related to estimating the LGBT population in the US and understanding related trends. Gallup surveys estimated 3.5% of the US population identifies as LGBT, while Google consumer surveys and trends in LGBT-related search queries and social media data suggest the population may be larger. The document also examines how search query data can provide insights into levels of "closetedness" and acceptance across different regions and demographics.

1. Qing Wu, Seth Stephens-Davidowitz
Google Economics
March 12, 2014
Internet Data and LGBT Knowledge Gap

2. Percentage of LGBT in the US Population
2
• Gallup 2012: 120K, phone interview
• Google consumer survey: 9.7K
• Google trend: LGBT porn / all porn
• Facebook: public out gay men

3. Gay Population % Does not Vary by US State
Even if the survey says so…

4. Parsing “Closetedness” Through Search Insights
homosexuality sin is my husband gay

5. 5
LGBT Porn Search Query % Globally (Adjusted)
Language accuracy is subject to the quality of the classification algorithm

6. Google Consumer Survey: Age Difference
• LGBT sample size: 500