CDC data shows decline in U.S. teen lesbian and bisexual identification

New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates a significant decline in the number of ninth-grade girls in the United States identifying as lesbian or bisexual. According to the figures, the proportion of girls identifying as lesbian or bisexual fell from 30% in 2021 to 17% in 2025, while those identifying specifically as bisexual dropped from 26% to 13% during the same period.

Psychology professor Jean Twenge, who analyzed the data, characterized the decline as a “free fall.” The shift suggests a potential turning point in cultural trends regarding sexual orientation among younger generations.

Walt Heyer, a senior fellow at the Family Research Council and a detransitioner, expressed skepticism regarding the reported decline. He suggested that social media and peer pressure might influence how teenagers report their identities, noting that some may withhold their sexual orientation to avoid certain social classifications online.