One in five LGBTQIA women feel unsafe in their own neighbourhoods

The number of LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people who feel unsafe in their personal and professional lives has increased, reveals a new survey of more than 2,500 women and non-binary people in India, South Africa, the UK, and the US.  

The research, by Kantar, in partnership with DIVA Charitable Trust and The Curve Foundation, found that public transport is particularly worrying for many, where 30% feel unsafe or only somewhat safe. Concern about online spaces is also common with 28% saying they feel unsafe or only somewhat safe on social media, and 50% have witnessed abuse. 17% said they feel unsafe or only somewhat safe at work or their place of education, up from 12% last year, and 21% don’t feel safe in their own neighbourhoods. 

In the workplace, 21% report witnessing or experiencing verbal or physical abuse, up from 19% in 2024. The most common experiences are verbal abuse and unwanted comments (44%) and having their sexual orientation or gender identity disclosed against their will (41%). Misgendering is also common at work, cited by 28% of those who have had negative experiences. In addition, many feel LGBTQIA+ women are excluded from conversations around workplace inclusion, with 53% saying LGBTQIA+ networks and development opportunities are very male dominated.

Parenting under pressure 

The study also explores the specific challenges and experiences of LGBTQIA+ parents. A majority (64%) think most people in their country believe that LGBTQIA+ couples are equally capable parents as cisgender, heterosexual couples. Despite this, almost a third (29%) say it’s hard to be an LGBTQIA+ parent where they live.  

Commenting on the findings, Caroline Frankum, Chair, Profiles division and Executive Sponsor, Pride ERG, Kantar, said: “Promisingly, the research points to familial acceptance of LGBTQIA+ people growing over time. Fewer than two in five respondents told us they would have felt completely comfortable discussing gender identity with their parents or guardians growing up. But now, two thirds think their children would be supported by their extended families if they came out as gay, lesbian or bisexual.”   

The commercial argument for inclusion 
 
Worldwide, 371 million people identify as LGBTQIA+, representing $3.9 trillion in buying power annually. And four out five (78%) LGBTQIA+ people say it’s important that the brands they buy from actively promote diversity and inclusion. Yet in the past year, one third of respondents have felt unrepresented by adverts for products they use, highlighting a lack of visibility and inclusion of the community in brands’ communications.  
 
Local perspectives 
 
The research outlines the different experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people in the four countries surveyed: 

India – Seeking support to navigate a challenging environment: 87% of respondents said their ability to access different routes to becoming parents, such as adoption, IVF or surrogacy, differs significantly from that of their cisgender, heterosexual counterparts. Furthermore, only 7% of LGBTQIA+ parents in the study identified as single; compared with 25% on average, suggesting romantic partnership is a crucial survival mechanism for LGBTQIA+ individuals.  

South Africa – Financial strain and heightened safety concerns: A significant number of LGBTQIA+ individuals feel unsafe even in their own neighbourhoods, with more than a quarter (27%) expressing this concern. Economic inequality is also particularly acute for the community, with almost half (47%) having difficulty affording the things they need or want. 

UK - Section 28’s legacy looms:  When asked whether they recall sexual orientation and gender identity being formally discussed in school, more than half of UK respondents said that these topics were not addressed. In addition, 60% of LGBTQIA+ parents had no LGBTQIA+ role models growing up: the highest of the four markets surveyed. 

USA – Political upheaval takes its toll: The US stands out among the four markets for having the highest rate of legally married LGBTQIA+ parents (63%). That said, a third don’t feel they have the same legal rights as other families, reflecting the recent political upheavals facing the community. 

Caroline Frankum adds: “Millions of LGBTQIA+ women around the world are being let down by their communities, workplaces and businesses, and living their lives in fear. While the community will continue the fight for their rights, it’s not their burden to bear alone. If they don’t feel safe on public transport or in their place of work, then the organisations that run these spaces need to step up to understand these experiences and drive positive change.” 

Nancy Kelley, Executive Director, DIVA Charitable Trust, said: “LGBTQIA+ rights are under accelerating attack around the world. Visibility has become not just about representation, but about survival. Ensuring that our experiences are seen and heard is critical to pushing back against erasure and defending our rights. As always, understanding the challenges we face in workplaces, media, and public life, helps us advocate for meaningful change.”
 
To read the full report “Living bold, loving proud: LGBTQIA+ parenthood in a changing world” visit: kantar.com/campaigns/2025-kantar-diva-report