Internationally, societal acceptance of queer people is on the decline, according to a survey. An international Ipsos study found that only 49 percent think queer people should be open about their sexual orientation or gender identity — a drop of six percentage points from 2021. Only 66 percent worldwide support marriage or legal recognition of same-sex couples, eight percentage points lower than five years ago.
The market research and polling firm conducted the study “Ipsos LGBT+ Pride Report 2026” across 26 countries for Pride Month. From April 24 to May 8, a total of 19,019 people were surveyed, including 1,000 in Germany aged 16 to 74. In 16 of the 26 countries surveyed, Ipsos says internet penetration is high enough that the samples can be considered representative of the overall population in the studied age groups. Ipsos records the highest approval ratings for queer people in Spain and Thailand.
Negative trends also in Germany
The study also shows waning support in Germany. While 74 percent of Germans back protections for lesbians, gays, and bisexuals against discrimination in the workplace, when seeking housing, and in accessing services, corresponding anti-discrimination laws are supported by only 45 percent. Both figures were four percentage points lower than in the previous year.
In Germany, support for marriage for all has fallen to 70 percent, down by one point. 44 percent, less than half of Germans, think it is appropriate for queer people to live openly regarding their sexual orientation or gender identity — a 2 percentage point drop compared with 2025. By Ipsos’s measure, Germany sits in the lower tertile of the international comparison — still behind countries like Ireland (59 percent), the United States (49), or Poland (45) as well as the international average (49).
