by Joe Siegel

The newly released Kantar-DIVA report shines a spotlight on the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people, an important demographic often underrepresented in the workplace, in society and the media, even more so as parents, according to the Curve Foundation, which facilitated the survey.

The report is entitled, “Living bold, living proud: LGBTQIA+ parenthood in a changing world.” The information was gathered was gathered from 2,685 anonymous online surveys in India, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States.

This is the fifth year Kantar, which bills itself as the world’s leading marketing data and analytics business, has partnered with DIVA Charitable Trust.

“There has never been a greater need for brands to be bold in their inclusion and diversity efforts. It’s not just about making a statement; it’s about making a difference,” the firm states in the report. “The data and stories within this report are especially poignant this year, as we see the rights and wellbeing of community members under threat in some societies around the world. Impactful understanding fosters impactful positive change, and we hope that by helping our community tell their stories, Kantar can play its part in driving that change.”

“Nearly half of our community is facing increased harassment online, and more of our community members are worried about their safety when traveling. That’s heartbreaking and infuriating. It also makes being visible, living our lives openly and proudly, an act of pure defiance,” Curve Magazine founder Franco Stevens noted.

“The survey also reminded us that we can’t discuss LGBTQ+ visibility without considering intersectionality,” Stevens continued. “A whopping 87 percent of U.S. respondents said acceptance of LGBTQ+ families still depends on things like race, ethnicity, and economic background. The fact that 44 percent of respondents have endured verbal harassment and 25 percent have experienced sexual harassment or violence at work due to their gender identity or sexual orientation is both alarming and unacceptable. It underscores how much work remains to create truly inclusive and respectful employment environments.”

Among the other findings:

• 50 percent of respondents witnessed abuse on social media — up from 48 percent in 2024,
• 21 percent witnessed abuse in school or the workplace — up from 19 percent in 2024,
• LGBTQIA+ youth are not only more likely to experience cyberbullying, they also face heightened risks of mental health issues, self-harm, and suicidal ideation due to online harassment,
• 67 percent of people globally believe that the world they live in feels like an increasingly hostile and uncertain place,
• Only 37 percent of respondents said they would have felt completely comfortable discussing gender identity with their parents or guardians growing up. However, when asked how their families would react today if their child came out as gay, lesbian, or bisexual, 64 percent of parents said they would be supportive.

To view the full report, go to Kantar x CURVE x DIVA 2025 Survey – Cleared Deck.pdf – Google Drive

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Volume 27
Issue 7