Sissy That Walk: Transportation to Work by Sexual Orientation

TL;DR

This study examines how transportation choices to work differ by sexual orientation, revealing that individuals in same-sex couples are less likely to drive and more likely to use public transit, walking, or biking, with disparities influenced by environmental concerns.

Contribution

It provides new empirical evidence on transportation mode differences by sexual orientation using extensive survey data and controls for various demographic factors.

Findings

Men in same-sex couples are 13% less likely to drive to work.

Individuals in same-sex couples are more likely to use public transit, walk, or bike.

Disparities may be linked to environmental concerns among LGBTQ+ individuals.

Abstract

We analyze differences in mode of transportation to work by sexual orientation, using the American Community Survey 2008-2019. Individuals in same-sex couples are significantly less likely to drive to work than men and women in different-sex couples. This gap is particularly stark among men: on average, almost 12 percentage point (or 13%) lower likelihood of driving to work for men in same-sex couples. Individuals in same-sex couples are also more likely to use public transport, walk, or bike to work: on average, men and women are 7 and 3 percentage points more likely, respectively, to take public transportation to work than those in different-sex couples. These differences persist after controlling for demographic characteristics, partner's characteristics, location, fertility, and marital status. Additional evidence from the General Social Survey 2008-2018 suggests that these disparities by sexual orientation may be due to lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals caring more for the environment than straight individuals.