As an expert in LGBTQ demographics, I have studied and analyzed the population of the LGBTQ community in Douglas County, Nebraska. This county, located in the Midwestern United States, is home to a diverse and vibrant LGBTQ community. In this article, I will provide a breakdown of the demographics of this community, including their age, race, gender identity, and more.
The LGBTQ Community in Douglas County
Douglas County is the most populous county in Nebraska, with a population of over 560,000 people. It is also home to the city of Omaha, which is known for its rich history and cultural diversity.The LGBTQ community in Douglas County is estimated to be around 5% of the total population, which is slightly higher than the national average of 4.5%. This community is made up of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning.
Age Distribution
The LGBTQ community in Douglas County is relatively young compared to the overall population. According to a survey conducted by Gallup in 2017, the median age of LGBTQ adults in Nebraska is 35 years old. This is significantly lower than the median age of 37 for the general population in Nebraska.In Douglas County specifically, there is a large population of LGBTQ youth and young adults. This can be attributed to the presence of several colleges and universities in the area, including Creighton University and the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Racial Diversity
The LGBTQ community in Douglas County is also diverse when it comes to race and ethnicity. According to data from the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, about 20% of LGBTQ adults in Nebraska identify as a racial or ethnic minority. This includes individuals who identify as Black, Hispanic, Asian, or Native American.In Douglas County, the majority of the LGBTQ community is white, but there is also a significant population of individuals who identify as Black or Hispanic.
Gender Identity
The LGBTQ community in Douglas County is also diverse when it comes to gender identity. According to a survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign in 2018, about 1.4% of adults in Nebraska identify as transgender. This is slightly higher than the national average of 1.3%. In Douglas County specifically, there is a growing population of transgender individuals who are visible and active in the community.This can be attributed to the efforts of local organizations and advocacy groups that provide support and resources for transgender individuals.
Challenges Faced by the LGBTQ Community in Douglas County
Despite the diversity and vibrancy of the LGBTQ community in Douglas County, there are still many challenges that this community faces. One of the biggest challenges is discrimination and lack of legal protections. Nebraska does not have any statewide laws that protect LGBTQ individuals from discrimination in areas such as employment, housing, and public accommodations. This means that LGBTQ individuals in Douglas County may face discrimination and harassment in their daily lives. Another challenge faced by the LGBTQ community in Douglas County is access to healthcare.According to a report by the Human Rights Campaign, Nebraska does not have any laws that prohibit health insurance exclusions for transgender individuals. This means that many transgender individuals may struggle to access necessary healthcare services, such as hormone therapy or gender-affirming surgeries.
The Future of the LGBTQ Community in Douglas County
Despite these challenges, there is hope for the future of the LGBTQ community in Douglas County. In recent years, there has been a growing acceptance and support for LGBTQ individuals in the county. This can be seen through the establishment of LGBTQ organizations and events, as well as the election of LGBTQ individuals to public office. Additionally, there have been efforts to pass local ordinances that would provide protections for LGBTQ individuals in Douglas County.In 2019, the city of Omaha passed an ordinance that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations. This is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and welcoming community for LGBTQ individuals.
