Gays, lesbians far more diverse than media portrays, study finds

Source: Chicago Tribune

African-Americans and Latinos were more comfortable expressing their gay identity than whites, although their gay identity was not the most important part of who they are. And, while whites were more likely to be in live-together relationships than Latinos or blacks, they were less likely to include children in their family plans.

Gays and lesbians are increasingly open and honest about their sexuality. Two-thirds agreed with the statement, "Everyone knows I'm gay."

The diversity the researchers found mirrors what demographers using U.S. Census Bureau and other demographic data have reported about the nation's gay and lesbian population. But it doesn't reflect the stereotypes -- wealthy, urban and white -- that continue to be broadcast in advertising and TV shows, said Gary Gates, a demographer at the Williams Institute at the University of California-Los Angeles school who specializes in America.

"Gay men actually make less money than other men. And every time I say that, people say, 'What?'" Gates said. " This stereotype of gay men being really wealthy -- the whole ' Will and Grace' kind of stereotype -- it's just absolutely not true."

Read more: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-1023007-gays,1,1375143.story

because many of us have "alternative" living arrangements. I can't tell you how many times I hear from my boss that I wasn't selected for a training program because there are others who are married with kids, live in a house, and are therefore more likely to stick with the Company. Nevermind that discrimination based on marital status is illegal in my state, but WTF?!?