Nearly 9 in 10 registered LGBTQ+ voters, who make up 12% of the U.S. adult population, say they definitely plan to vote; civil rights and cost of living top voting priorities

WASHINGTON — Four weeks out from Election Day, new data from the 2026 Annual LGBTQ+ Community Survey analyzed by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation finds an LGBTQ+ electorate highly motivated heading into the midterm elections, with nearly nine in ten (87%) registered voters saying they definitely plan to vote. Civil rights and equal protections overwhelmingly rank as the leading issue shaping LGBTQ+ voters’ decisions at the ballot box, while economic pressures are also weighing heavily on the community. More than half of LGBTQ+ adults surveyed say they are struggling or just getting by financially, and nearly half say they are worse off financially than they were two years ago. Read the full findings here.

Earlier this year, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation released updated population estimates showing that a record-high 12% of U.S. adults – roughly 25.6 million people – identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or gender diverse – meaning LGBTQ+ voters could play a defining role in the results of the midterms.

“LGBTQ+ voters are paying attention, they understand what is at stake, and they are prepared to make their voices heard,” said HRC Foundation Sr. Director of Research and Education Tari Hanneman. “What jumps out from this data is how closely concerns about our fundamental freedoms are intertwined with the economic pressures people are experiencing in their everyday lives. LGBTQ+ people are worried about their jobs, their finances, and making ends meet, while also confronting very real fears that rights and protections they rely on could be taken away.”

The findings show civil rights remain at the center of LGBTQ+ voters’ priorities, with nearly three-quarters (73.7%) selecting civil rights and equal protections for LGBTQ+ people as one of the three issues most important in shaping their vote. Economic stability, inflation and the cost of living ranked second at 35.9%, followed by government accountability and corruption (32.5%), the functioning of democracy and elections (26.9%), and abortion and reproductive rights (26.8%). Those concerns come as respondents report widespread anxiety about the future of LGBTQ+ protections, including more than nine in ten who are worried that the Supreme Court could undermine federal workplace discrimination protections and more than eight in ten who are worried about marriage recognition.

Key Data Points:

• 87% of registered LGBTQ+ voters say they definitely will vote in the 2026 midterms, while another 7.5% say they probably will.
• 73.7% of LGBTQ+ voters select civil rights and equal protections for LGBTQ+ people as one of the three issues most important in shaping their vote
  • Some priorities differ by generation: LGBTQ+ adults ages 18–34 are more likely than those 65 and older to prioritize civil rights and reproductive rights, while economic stability and cost of living are particularly prominent among adults ages 55–64.
• 51.2% of LGBTQ+ voters say they are either finding it difficult to get by or are just getting by financially, while 47.2% say they are financially worse off than two years ago.
• 92% of LGBTQ+ voters are concerned that the Supreme Court could undermine federal workplace discrimination protections, and 85% are worried they could undermine marriage equality.

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people, with 4 million members and supporters. The HRC Foundation (a 501(c)(3)) works to ensure LGBTQ+ people are safe, seen and supported where it matters most: at school, at work and in every community across the country. From the courtroom to the classroom, from Congress to corporate America, HRC and the HRC Foundation build power through partnerships, storytelling, and action—working to create a future rooted in equity, freedom and belonging for all LGBTQ+ people. More at hrc.org

About the Study
You are invited to take part in a University of Arizona research study about healthcare experiences among transgender and nonbinary adults (18+). We want to learn what changes would make healthcare more affirming and respectful. Your responses will help create a brief “10 Actions for Clinicians” resource to share with clinics and educators.

What You’ll Do
• A 5–10 minute anonymous survey
• You may skip any question or stop at any time
• There is no payment and no direct benefit, but your insights may help improve care for others

Risks & Discomforts
Some questions may feel sensitive or bring up difficult experiences. You may skip any question you do not want to answer. As with any online survey, there is a very small risk to confidentiality, but the survey only asks contact information on a completely voluntary basis, and your responses will be stored securely.

Confidentiality
This survey is anonymous, unless you would like to be contacted for a follow-up interview. Please avoid including names of specific providers or clinics in your answers.
Your responses will be stored on secure University of Arizona servers, and only the research team will see the de-identified data.
Some de-identified quotes from your responses may be used in presentations or publications; any identifying details will be removed before use.
At the end of the survey, you may optionally provide an email address if you wish to be contacted for a possible follow-up conversation. This email will be stored separately from your responses.

If You Need Support
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988)
• Trans Lifeline (877-565-8860)
• The Trevor Project (866-488-7386 or text START to 678678)

Questions?
Blaire Bas, MD Candidate
Email: blaire@arizona.edu

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Kristopher Abbate, MD University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson

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https://research.arizona.edu/compliance/human-subjects-protection-program

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On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Tucson LGBT Chamber of Commerce, we extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of Vincent and Cameron, and to the entire Venture-N family following the tragic shooting this weekend.

Vincent and Cameron were more than the victims of a terrible act of violence. They were friends, loved ones, and members of our LGBTQ+ community. They were part of the Venture-N family, and their loss is being felt throughout our community.

For decades, LGBTQ+ businesses and gathering spaces have been more than simply places to work, socialize, or have a drink. They have been places where we find community, build relationships, support one another, and have the freedom to be ourselves. Venture-N has been one of those spaces in Tucson for many years.

What happened at Venture-N is heartbreaking. Violence in a place where our community gathers impacts far more than those who were there that night. It can bring fear, grief, anger, and painful reminders of the times our community has been made to feel unsafe simply for gathering together and living openly.

As an LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, we believe our businesses, employees, patrons, and community members deserve to live, work, gather, and celebrate without fear.

We also know that in moments like this, community matters. We encourage everyone to check in on one another, support those who are grieving, and give people the space they need to process what has happened.

To the Venture-N family: you are not alone. The Tucson LGBT Chamber of Commerce and our Board stand with you, with everyone who loved Vincent and Cameron, and with our entire LGBTQ+ community as we grieve this tremendous loss.

Vincent and Cameron will be remembered for the lives they lived, the people they loved, and the place they held within our community.

Dante Celeiro, President
Tucson LGBT Chamber of Commerce

Images (clockwise from top left): Home Free, Andy Grammer, Lyle Lovett, Ballet Arizona, Mariachi Herencia de México, Amy Grant and Michael Kosta will be performing at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts as part of the 2026–27 season.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts has added more show to its star-studded, dynamic 2026–27 season, including Amy Grant’s ” The Me That Remains” tour, Lyle Lovett and his Small Large Band and Ballet Arizona’s presentation of “Ballet in the Making.”

Amy Grant, known for iconic pop hits like “Baby Baby” and “Every Heartbeat,” is making a stop in Scottsdale on Sept. 25. Audiences can experience an intimate, and high-energy evening when Andy Grammer returns to the center with “Greater Than Pt. II: A One Man Show” on Dec. 2. And four-time Grammy Award winner Lyle Lovett’s concert on Nov. 5 adds to the growing list of powerhouse performers playing at the center this season.

Christmas in Scottsdale is not complete without Mariachi Sol de México on Dec. 18, but this year audiences can also expect to celebrate the season with “Home Free: Coming Home for the Holidays” on Dec. 3 and Celtic Woman’s “Silver Bells Christmas Tour” on Dec. 6. Home Free, winner of NBC’s fourth season of “The Sing Off,” adds a dose of holiday magic to its signature style, while Celtic Woman performs holiday classics and more while accompanied by a full symphony orchestra.

Presented in partnership with Arizona Ballet, “Ballet in the Making” is a collection of movement works-in-progress, created by dancers who have stepped into the role of choreographers. These dancers have created original pieces through experimentation and collaboration. And now, these staged works-in-progress invite audiences to Scottsdale to watch original ballet at the cusp of evolution.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts is part of the multidisciplinary nonprofit Scottsdale Arts. Below is the schedule of recently announced concerts and events, which are on sale at ScottsdaleArts.org (subject to change):

Amy Grant – The Me That Remains Tour
Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
Known for iconic pop hits like “Baby Baby” and “Every Heartbeat,” Amy Grant’s first album in more than a decade is the deeply personal “The Me That Remains.”

Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives
Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
Combining impeccable musicianship with rich storytelling, Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives deliver a showstopping live experience that traverses country, surf, bluegrass and rock.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
From impeccable suits to a boisterous and swaggering sound, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy delivers a vibrantly contemporary fusion of swing revival and traditional jazz.

Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now!
Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
The stars of Broadway’s “Hairspray” — Marissa Jaret Winokur, Kerry Butler and Laura Bell Bundy — deliver a hilarious and heartfelt musical journey about friendships, careers and children.

Lyle Lovett and his Small Large Band
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
Versatile and eccentric, haunting and masterful, Lyle Lovett’s live performances couple his gift for storytelling with elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues.

ANDY GRAMMER – Greater Than Pt. II: A One Man Show
Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
With only a piano, a guitar and a room full of voices, Andy Grammer turns the stage into a shared experience that is deeply personal and undeniably uplifting.

Home Free: Coming Home for the Holidays
Thursday, Dec. 3, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
Winner of NBC’s “The Sing Off,” a cappella quintet Home Free adds some holiday magic to its signature mix of incredible harmonies, complex arrangements and quick-witted humor.

Celtic Woman | Silver Bells Christmas Tour 2026
Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026, 7 p.m.
Blending celestial voices with breathtaking orchestral arrangements of holiday favorites, “Celtic Woman’s Silver Bells Christmas Tour” promises an enchanting evening of stunning vocals and festive warmth.

Arizona Concours D’Elegance 2027
Sunday, Jan. 24, 2027, 9 a.m.
Discover the art of elegance at speed in this automotive showcase, featuring the 80th anniversary of Ferrari in a garden party-style event at Scottsdale Civic Center.

Mariachi Herencia de México: Honoring Juan Gabriel
Friday, March 12, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
Celebrating the timeless artistry of Juan Gabriel, this powerful tribute to El Divo de Juárez brings his influential catalog to life with passion, elegance and mariachi brilliance.

Michael Kosta | Big Dad Energy
Friday, May 14, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
Blending observational humor with hilarious anecdotes, the former tennis pro turned “The Daily Show” host brings his high-energy, razor-sharp storytelling to Scottsdale.

Ballet Arizona | Ballet in the Making
Saturday, June 12, 2027, 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Experience original ballet at the cusp of evolution in this collection of original pieces, created by the dancers themselves through experimentation and collaboration. Presented in partnership with Ballet Arizona.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts would like to thank the following sponsors and partners: City of Scottsdale, Northern Trust, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, Krumwiede Lewis Family Foundation, Betty Hum & Alan Yudell, John & Karen Voris, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Dr. David and Joan Goldfarb Trust, Mountain Shadows Resort, Pride Guide Arizona, Dayton Fowler Grafman Endowment for Classical Music, Richard & Marie Stewart, The Theodore R. Stephan Endowment for Student Matinees, Dr. Misha Cohen Peck and Sternberg 3.

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SCOTTSDALE ARTS
Through its dynamic partnership with the city of Scottsdale, the nonprofit Scottsdale Arts creates diverse, inspired arts experiences and outreach opportunities for the community while fostering active engagement with the arts among individuals, businesses, educational institutions and government agencies. Since its founding in 1987, Scottsdale Arts has grown into a regionally and nationally significant, multidisciplinary arts organization, offering an exceptional variety of programs for both residents and visitors through Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Scottsdale Public Art, Scottsdale Arts Learning & Innovation, Canal Convergence and Civic Center LIVE.

MEDIA: For interviews, photos or additional information, please contact: 

Sydney Ritter
Senior Communications Specialist
Scottsdale Arts
Email: SydneyR@ScottsdaleArts.org
Phone: 480-874-4663

Brian Passey
Senior Communications Manager
Scottsdale Arts
Email: BrianP@ScottsdaleArts.org
Phone: 480-874-4626