Most Americans Know Gay People

A new poll proves that coming out really does matter

Photo by Think Stock

A new poll released today reveals that the majority of Americans have a close friend or family member who’s gay. According to the CNN/ORC International survey, more than 60 percent of people say that someone close to them is gay. This is compared to less than 50 percent two years ago.

For the LGBT community, having straight allies usually means a change in the way gay life is accepted. That might help explain the changing attitudes about everything from same-sex marriage to adoption and child rearing.

The poll also shows that 54 percent of Americans believe that same-sex marriage should be legal. This is especially true among Democrats and people younger than 50, while almost 75 percent of Republicans oppose recognizing same-sex marriage. Support for gay marriage is up from 44 percent just four years ago.

Click here to view the full survey.