The Majority Supports Sexual Diversity in Germany — With Exceptions
The survey paints a picture of majority acceptance across many aspects of queer life in Germany. Use the filters to break down the results by party preference, age group, or gender.
How Party Preference Shapes Attitudes
Political affiliation proves to be one of the strongest predictors of attitudes towards queer issues. The analysis reveals a clear polarisation across the political spectrum.
— Neutral value: 3.00
Age and Gender as Key Indicators
Beyond political orientation, demographic characteristics have a significant influence on attitudes. The data reveal a surprising pattern: older and female respondents are more open to queer topics in this sample — contrary to common expectations.
Older Respondents Are More Open
Contrary to common expectations, the Queer Acceptance Index rises with age. This is especially pronounced on the topic of trans* children: from 3.10 (ages 18–29) to 3.81 (ages 60+). The oldest group (60+) achieves the highest overall index (3.89).
Women Show Greater Acceptance
Women score higher across all nine topics (Index 3.89 vs. 3.56 for men). The largest gaps are on acceptance of a trans* child (56.4% vs. 40.0%) and the importance of Pride events.
Older Respondents Surprisingly Open
The Queer Acceptance Index increases with age: 3.62 (18–29) → 3.66 (30–39) → 3.72 (40–49) → 3.83 (50–59) → 3.89 (60+). One possible explanation: older respondents have consciously witnessed the social shifts of recent decades.
A Society Divided
The sex work questions touch on a distinct area of social policy. Germany is one of the few countries where sex work is legal and regulated. The survey results reflect the ongoing public debate: opinion is sharply divided.
Far From the Finish Line
"Germany is more sexually open than it was a decade ago — but it is far from the finish line. Legal equality does not automatically translate into full social acceptance."
The study paints a complex picture. On one hand, a broad majority has reached consensus on established issues such as same-sex marriage and the general acceptance of homosexuality. On the other, newer debates — particularly around trans* identities — reveal significant uncertainty and outright rejection.
Political polarisation is the decisive factor. While the progressive-liberal camp shows high to very high acceptance, the conservative and right-wing camp positions itself as more reserved or openly opposed.
The demographic patterns are surprising: older and female respondents are more open to queer topics in this sample. The Queer Acceptance Index rises with age from 3.62 (18–29) to 3.89 (60+). Women consistently score higher than men across all measures.
In particular, the lived realities of trans* people and the recognition of non-binary identities remain central challenges on the road to an inclusive society.
75.3% support same-sex marriage — only 9.9% oppose it
The third gender is the only topic with majority rejection (42.2%)
Green and Left voters show the highest Queer Acceptance Index
AfD voters show the lowest index (3.30), yet still above the neutral threshold
Women are more open than men across all areas (Index 3.89 vs. 3.56)
Older respondents (60+) show surprisingly higher acceptance than younger ones (18–29): Index 3.89 vs. 3.62
Higher education correlates positively with queer acceptance
On sex work, society is split three ways: roughly one third each for a ban, against a ban, and undecided