Williams Institute Report Reveals Nearly 3 Million Transgender Americans Amid Ongoing Political Targeting

A landmark report from the Williams Institute at UCLA has found that more than 2.8 million people in the United States identify as transgender, accounting for one percent of the country’s population aged 13 and older. This new estimate, derived from the most recent national surveys and advanced statistical modeling, underscores the size and diversity of the transgender community at a time when it faces unprecedented political focus and legislative action from conservative policymakers .

The report’s findings reveal that 3.3 percent of youth ages 13 to 17—about 724,000 individuals—identify as transgender, a significantly higher proportion than seen in older age groups. Among adults, 0.8 percent—just over 2.1 million people—identify as transgender. These numbers are based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) from 2021 to 2023, representing the most comprehensive national estimates to date .

The report’s release comes as conservative lawmakers have spent several years advancing legislation that disproportionately impacts transgender Americans. According to the Williams Institute’s researchers, growing political hostility has led to efforts to limit the recognition and rights of transgender people, with particular focus on youth. These efforts include bans on gender-affirming care, restrictions on participation in sports, and efforts to curtail the teaching of LGBTQ+ topics in schools .

This year alone, dozens of bills targeting transgender rights have been introduced or passed in state legislatures, with the Human Rights Campaign tracking over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills nationwide. Many of these measures specifically target the small but growing population of transgender youth, despite the Williams Institute’s data showing that they comprise just one percent of the youth population .

The authors of the Williams Institute report warn that these legislative attacks could have far-reaching impacts. “This has implications for institutions in our society, including educational institutions, the U.S. Armed Forces, civilian workplaces, health care settings, and other areas, regarding how to meet the needs of and provide opportunities for current youth and future generations,” the report notes .

Researchers also highlight the potential consequences of reduced data collection. Political efforts to limit recognition of transgender people threaten the ability of public health officials, educators, and policymakers to understand and address the unique challenges faced by this population. Accurate data is crucial for developing effective policies and programs that support transgender people’s health, safety, and well-being .

Despite these challenges, the report underscores the resilience and increasing visibility of transgender people in the United States. The rise in the proportion of youth identifying as transgender reflects broader generational shifts in attitudes toward gender identity and greater acceptance among younger Americans. The authors anticipate that the proportion of people who identify as transgender will continue to grow, particularly as social stigmas decrease and more data becomes available .

For advocates and community organizations, these findings provide critical evidence of the need for inclusive policies and protections. “We study discrimination and bias against transgender people and other gender minorities and examine how these experiences affect their health and socioeconomic well-being,” the Williams Institute states on its website, emphasizing ongoing research into the lived experiences of transgender Americans .

As the political debate over transgender rights intensifies, advocates warn that data-driven policy is more essential than ever. “The best available data for our estimates of the size and characteristics of youth who identify as transgender in the U.S.” comes from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, the report’s authors note, urging lawmakers and institutions to use this information to create safer, more inclusive environments for all .

With nearly 3 million transgender Americans now counted in national estimates, the stakes for recognition, protection, and inclusion are higher than ever. The Williams Institute’s new findings stand as a clarion call for policymakers, advocates, and allies to prioritize the needs and rights of this vibrant and diverse community.