Statistically speaking

Thursday is National Coming Out Day, started by Human Rights Campaign, a gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) civil rights organization. This year’s theme will be “Talk About It,” encouraging openness and acceptance of the GLBT population in today’s world.

Percentage of GLBT teenagers who choose a family member to first come out to: 25

Percentage of GLBT teenagers who feel rejected by their parents because of their sexual preference: 50

Estimated percentage of the GLBT population that is 18 to 34 years old: 44

Percentage of GLBT teenagers who check to see if a company is gay-friendly before buying its products: 50

Number of colleges nationwide, including Carnegie Mellon, which were recognized by The Advocate College Guide for LGBT Students in 2006 for outstanding GLBT acceptance: 100

Sources: (gender.eserver.org), (pflagphoenix.org), (opuscommgroup.com), (dev.hrc.org)