rights
New research shows women are moving away from heterosexuality
By Greg Owen at LGBTQ Nation
· July 10, 2026
· 4 min read
New research from the Human Sexualities Research Lab at the State University of New York and The Conversation reveals that women are moving away from exclusively heterosexual relationships and attraction, while men are not. Related 9% of Americans identify as LGBTQ+ Researchers studying sexuality, g
Key takeaway In 2011, about 22% of female students reported attraction that was not exclusive to men; by 2026, that number increased to nearly 50%, more than double the earlier response.
Why this matters
The significant shift in women's sexual attraction and identity, as revealed by the new research, has implications for the national conversation on LGBTQ+ rights. The doubling of women reporting non-exclusive attraction to men and the four-fold increase in those having non-male sexual partners between 2011 and 2026 suggests a growing comfort among women in exploring their sexual identities. This trend is consistent across racial groups, indicating a broader cultural shift. The fact that young men are less likely to report non-exclusive identities, due to stricter gender norms, highlights the ongoing challenges in promoting sexual ambiguity and fluidity among men. As the Gallup poll notes, the majority of LGBTQ+ individuals identify as bisexual, underscoring the need for greater understanding and acceptance of non-binary sexual identities. The research findings will likely inform advocacy efforts and policy discussions on LGBTQ+ rights, particularly in states with varying levels of legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.
About this story
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Category: rights ·
Published: July 10, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? New research from the Human Sexualities Research Lab at the State University of New York and The Conversation reveals that women are moving away from exclusively heterosexual relationships and attraction, while men are not. Related 9% of Americans identify as LGBTQ+ Researchers studying sexuality, g
When was this published? This article was first published on July 10, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Greg Owen at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .