GLBT Market

Estimates suggest that as six million people in the U.S identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (GLBT). Despite societal practices that still deny GLBT individuals access to the same opportunities as heterosexuals, they have made remarkable progress in gaining acceptance and recognition as vital contributors to the health and well being of our nation. In politics, government, health care, education, business and in neighborhoods across the country, the presence of GLBT populations is becoming and increasingly common sight.

GLBT individuals have a tremendous capacity for organizing, and have mobilized effectively in recent years to prompt major changes in public policy from the creation of a billion-dollar federal health program to fund HIV care, to establishment of non-discrimination policies in 21 states and the District of Columbia, to enactment of marriage equality in six U.S. states.

In the consumer sector, the GLBT community's purchasing power is a whopping $610 billion annually, which has made it a growing target of corporate marketing campaigns aimed at securing its business. While smaller than other market segments, the disposable income of the GLBT community tends to be greater, as individuals in the community have children in lesser numbers than heterosexuals.

It is clear that, anti-GLBT sentiment and initiatives notwithstanding, the community will continue to make strides in all arenas of public life, demanding the same rights as heterosexuals to participate in the institutions that shape their lives. The civic-mindedness, economic status, political awareness and social justice sensibility of the GLBT community presents boundless opportunities to those who recognize the inherent value in seeking their partnership, insights and support.