In France, for a few years now, LGBTQ+ people have managed to occupy the media and public space. The objective is simple: to increase queer visibility so that tolerance, in turn, becomes greater.
Nevertheless, being queer in public space is never easy. How do others perceive me? Will I risk being assaulted? What will happen if I kiss my partner in the street? All these legitimate questions stem from real facts: assaults, harassment, even murders of LGBTQ+ people simply for existing.
First and foremost, it is important to recall that LGBTQ+ people are indeed a minority in France and account for about 9 % of the population. If it sometimes feels like we are more numerous, it is mainly because queers are increasingly owning their identity rather than staying in the closet.
Un soutien à la communauté LGBTQ+ mitigé en France
In general, compared to 2024 figures, the poll shows that the French support for LGBTQ+ people is lower in 2025. For example, regarding the representation of LGBTQ+ characters on television, in films or in books, only 28% of French respondents are in favor, i.e., 4 points lower than in 2024. There is still a long way to go at this level.
From a historical perspective, one must recall that the world of cinema long participated in censoring LGBTQ+ representations in films. A censorship that has not disappeared today, but has changed its face.
In theory, half of the French say they support LGBTQ+ people, whether they are openly queer, express affection in public, or are part of sports teams. However, it is noticeable that when we address queer representation in practice, support becomes rarer. Fewer than 4 in 10 support companies or employers that implement actions to support and promote queer identities.
Public approval is declining globally, not only in France, which is even more concerning for queer people who might look to move to a safer country. On the same topic of sostaining for companies and brands promoting equality for LGBTQ+ people, global support falls by 3 points compared with 2024.
We also note that:
- in the United Kingdom, the drop is 7 points;
- in the United States, we lose 1 point;
- in France too, one point less;
- Poland experiences a marked decline of 10 points, with more opposition than support, which is quite rare worldwide.
Supporting LGBTQ+ people in theory, tolerating their presence in public space and not opposing their existence seems within reach for half of the French, but as soon as it comes to taking actions to help queer people, particularly in the professional world, most retreat. We should not take up too much space.
On this issue, France ranks 16th out of 26 countries, with the last place being the least engaged in support.
A generational and gender gap
Across all countries, one observes a real generational clash, but above all a clear gap between women and men. Women of Generation Z are 58% to support companies and brands that promote equality for LGBT+ people, compared to 34% of men.
A figure that testifies to the rise of masculinism among younger generations: all other generations support this more than men of Generation Z, with baby boomers leading (40%).
These figures stem from facts: women, notably feminists, are the most engaged with the LGBTQ+ community, whether they are personally affected by the topic or not. This is observed both on online social networks and in the streets during demonstrations for women’s and minority rights.
Theory vs. practice: a LGBTQ+ community support tested by actions
When it comes to the rights and protection of queer people, we again see that in theory a large majority is for it, but if it comes to adopting laws that would enshrine this protection in practice, then part of the support fades away.
Still, we can rejoice: the French are among the populations who most support legislations aimed at banning discrimination against LGBTQ+, the global figure being 51%.
While everyone expresses opinions on the rights that LGBTQ+ people should have, few discuss them with those concerned. Less than half of people know someone who is homosexual.
When it comes to the rights of transgender people, support is more uneven. 7% of French people say they know a transgender person, and this group is the most discriminated against among LGBTQ+.
46% of French people support access to medical transitions for transgender adolescents with parental consent, 36% oppose it.
One subject always receives strong support: marriage for all. 67% of the French support legally marriage for same-sex couples, and 12% support some form of legal recognition other than marriage.
Des positions pro-LGBTQ+ fragiles en France
Despite the principled support for marriage for all, the real engagement of French society towards the LGBTQ+ community remains fragile. Ipsos’s Global Advisor Pride study makes this clear: once past theory, tolerance encounters reluctance when it comes to concrete actions.
French LGBTQ+ people cannot settle for mere passive support. More than ever, as most indicators are down compared to the previous year, queer people need active engagement for their rights and recognition. Moreover, French political actors are no longer shy about expressing anti-LGBTQ+ positions.
It is not enough to say “yes” to the existence of queer people; one must actively commit to their inclusion. Whether it is promoting visibility on screen or supporting companies that promote equality, our country is lagging behind.
Everyone has a role to play, whether it is supporting queer colleagues at work, supporting your child after coming out, or simply condemning any LGBTQ+phobic remarks.
Beyond looking at the support figures, we must also address the oppositions. For what reasons might these people oppose queer individuals? Do they even know them?
The visibility of our lived experiences, meeting, discussion and sharing experiences help to fight against stereotypes and the reluctances that arise from ignorance and fear. This is also what many associations do, such as those that strive to highlight the experiences of LGBTQ+ seniors.
For France to join the forefront of truly inclusive nations, a collective effort is essential. It is time to move from words to actions.
Sophie Brennan