From Witeck-Combs Communication
Lesbians and Gays Remain More Hopeful about U.S. Economy and Personal Finances
New York, N.Y. and Washington, D.C. – January 18, 2010 – As the U.S. economy shows added signs of recovery and stability, a new national poll asked a broad cross‐section of Americans their expectations for the economy’s improvement nationally as well as their feelings about their own financial circumstances. Three‐quarters (74%) of all Americans believe the economy will improve or remain the same this year, however four in ten gay and lesbian adults (39%) expect the 2011 economy to improve, while that optimistic attitude is held by only 29% of heterosexual adults. Based on several earlier surveys conducted by Harris Interactive, lesbians and gay men have consistently held more optimistic views on the economy.
The new nationwide survey of 2,519 U.S. adults (ages 18 and over), of whom 312 self‐identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender (LGBT), was conducted online between December 6 and December 13, 2010, by Harris Interactive, a global market research and consulting firm, in conjunction with Witeck‐Combs Communications, Inc., a strategic public relations and marketing communications firm with special expertise in the LGBT market.
“In tough economic times, nearly all households feel pain and make sacrifices,” noted Bob Witeck, CEO of Witeck‐Combs Communications. “Same‐sex couples and their families, in fact, have a more fragile safety net today under existing outdated laws and unequal policies. Nonetheless, they increasingly believe, more than others, that this recovery is becoming real and tangible.”
About Harris Interactive
Harris Interactive is one of the world’s leading custom market research firms, leveraging research, technology, and business acumen to transform relevant insight into actionable foresight. Known widely for the Harris Poll and for pioneering innovative research methodologies, Harris offers expertise in a wide range of industries including healthcare, technology, public affairs, energy, telecommunications, financial services, insurance, media, retail, restaurant, and consumer package goods. Serving clients in over 215 countries and territories 3
through our North American, European, and Asian offices and a network of independent market research firms, Harris specializes in delivering research solutions that help us – and our clients – stay ahead of what’s next. For more information, please visit www.harrisinteractive.com.
About Witeck‐Combs Communications, Inc.
Witeck‐Combs Communications, Inc. is the nation’s premier marketing communications and consulting firm, specializing in developing and implementing effective strategies reaching the gay and lesbian consumer market. With over 17 years experience in this unique market, Witeck‐Combs Communications not only serves as a bridge between corporate America and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender consumers (LGBT), but also provides counsel to countless non‐profit organizations that aim to educate the public on gay and lesbian issues or to better reach their LGBT membership.
In April 2003, American Demographics magazine identified Bob Witeck and Wes Combs as two of 25 experts over the last 25 years who have made significant contributions to the fields of demographics, market research, media and trendspotting for their path breaking work on the gay and lesbian market, and in 2006 Bob Witeck and Wes Combs co‐authored Business Inside Out: Capturing Millions of Brand Loyal Gay Consumers (Kaplan Publishing), considered the first‐ever book on marketing insights, practical tips and strategies targeting the LGBT market. They have appeared in worldwide media outlets including Fortune, CNBC, CNN, Reuters, Associated Press, Ad Age, New York Times and Washington Post. For more information visit www.witeckcombs.com 4
