The Gay Economy

We spend $1.4 trillion a year.
It’s time to spend it loudly.

The LGBTQ+ community is one of the most powerful consumer forces on earth. Brands rise and fall by our choices. Here’s the data behind the dollar.

$1.4TUS buying power
$3.7TGlobal buying power
7.6%LGBTQ+ identified in US

LGBTQ+ Identification in the US · Gallup 2012–2023

A community that keeps growing.

LGBTQ+ identification has more than doubled in the past decade — from 3.5% in 2012 to 7.6% in 2023. As the community grows, so does its collective economic weight.

2%4%6%8%2012201420162018202020227.6%
Source: Gallup Annual LGBT+ Identification Survey

Buying Power · USD · LGBT Capital

The dollar amount is only growing.

US LGBTQ+ buying power has grown 69% over the past decade — faster than overall US consumer spending growth over the same period.

LGBTQ+ US (2023)$1.4T
LGBTQ+ US (2019)$917B
LGBTQ+ Travel Market$218B
LGBTQ+ US (2012)$830B

Brand Impact · The Cost of Getting It Wrong — and Right

We make and break brands.

The data is clear: brands that stand with us win our loyalty. Brands that betray us face real, measurable consequences.

Brands that won
LGBTQ-inclusive brands2023
71% loyalty premium

Higher purchase intent among LGBTQ+ consumers for brands that publicly support them

LGBTQ+ travel sector2023
$218B market

The LGBTQ+ travel market thrives on loyalty to inclusive destinations and brands

Brands that lost
Bud Light2023
~$1.4B lost sales

Boycott following reversal of Dylan Mulvaney partnership

Target2023
~$9B market cap lost

Stock decline after pulling Pride merchandise amid right-wing pressure

Chick-fil-A2019
Sustained brand damage

Ongoing reputational cost from donations to anti-LGBTQ+ organizations


Spending by Category · Estimated Distribution

Where the gay dollar goes.

Travel, fashion, and entertainment account for nearly 60% of LGBTQ+ consumer spending — industries that thrive on the gay dollar.

$1.4TGay Dollar
Travel & Hospitality
26%
Fashion & Apparel
18%
Entertainment
15%
Food & Dining
14%
Health & Wellness
12%
Technology
10%
Other
5%
Estimated distribution based on LGBT Capital consumer research

Be the Collective

Every purchase is a vote.

When we spend with intention, we shape the market. When we withdraw, brands feel it. The Gay Dollar turns community into power — and data into action.

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Data: Gallup · LGBT Capital · Community Marketing Inc. · Updated 2023