Approximately how many million elderly Americans are lesbian, gay, or bisexual?

• A. 2
• B. 3
• C. 4
• D. 5

Answer: (B)

Approximate three million older Americans identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. This figure comes from applying what researchers estimate about how common LGB identity is in the general adult population to the size of the 65-and-older group. Because the elderly population is sizable, even a modest prevalence yields millions. Three million sits toward the middle of credible ranges researchers have reported, reflecting both the size of the older population and the accepted estimates of LGB identity. It’s also important to note that older cohorts faced more stigma and may underreport their orientation in surveys, so actual numbers could be somewhat higher as disclosure increases with time and social acceptance.