Seven findings: how are LGBTIQ+ people actually doing in Switzerland?

In March 2026, researchers Tabea Hässler and Léïla Eisner from the University of Zurich published the results of the sixth major survey wave of the Swiss LGBTIQ+ Panel. 6,117 people took part — 5,422 identifying as LGBTIQ+ and 695 as heterosexual. The results paint a nuanced picture that highlights the diversity of experience within the queer community.

**Discrimination hits gender minorities hardest.** Over 93% of trans and non-binary participants reported being the target of inappropriate jokes — far above other sexual minority groups. Physical violence had increased, and for the first time many expressed concern about a possible rollback of rights and social acceptance.

**Wellbeing is divided.** Gay, lesbian and bisexual people report wellbeing scores close to those of the cis-heterosexual comparison group. Trans and non-binary people, by contrast, record the lowest scores for life satisfaction and overall wellbeing.

**Mental health: a crisis among youth.** More than half of trans and non-binary respondents report poor mental health; among young people, this rises to 56%. Nearly 50% of trans youth reported self-harming behaviour, compared with 19.6% among cis-heterosexual peers of the same age.

**Coming out: friends first, school last.** The greatest openness is shown towards friends, followed by family. School and apprenticeship settings remain the contexts in which queer young people are least likely to be out.

**Social acceptance: a deep gap.** Around 40% of sexual minorities perceive social attitudes as positive. Among trans and non-binary people, the figure is just 7.8% — 76.5% perceive social perception as negative.

**The political context.** The study explicitly links these figures to the international political climate, notably campaigns against queer people in the United States and their reach into Europe. For queer organisations and counselling services in Switzerland, the data provide a critical foundation: they show where support is most urgently needed.