KaleidoScot Poll: majority of LGBTI Scots back independence

An overwhelming majority of LGBTI Scots have backed independence in KaleidoScot’s exclusive Referendum Poll.

With over 1000 people taking part, its the largest survey of LGBTI people during the Referendum campaign, 85% of the respondents have backed independence.

KaleidoScot has been running a series of features and interviews in the final weeks of the campaign, including calls from MSP’s Drew Smith and Patrick Harvie on how equality and human rights can be protected and improved with a Yes or No vote on the upcoming independence referendum on 18th September.

Our user poll, which had 1014 unique responses, had participation from across Scotland. We’ve analysed the results, looking at those respondents who said they are definitely or likely to vote on 18th September, which accounted for 94% of those who took part – echoing the record level of Scotland’s electoral roll, now standing at 97% for this Referendum.

Participants in the KaleidoScot Poll came from across Scotland’s LGBTI communities who shared the survey over social networks and with friends, family and colleagues.  Since the Poll was specifically looking for voting intentions of LGBTI people, we removed responses which were listed as Straight

from the results. The remaining survey respondents described themselves as Gay 58%, Bisexual 21%, Lesbian 14%, Transgender 7%

Geographical split on voting intentions was of interest too. The North of Scotland, covering the Highlands & Islands, Aberdeen, Inverness and Dundee declared their support for Independence with a massive 86%. Southern Scotland, including the Borders and Dumfries & Galloway, had by far the highest support for Independence at 94%. The populous Central Belt, including Glasgow and the West, Central region, Stirling, Falkirk, Fife and Edinburgh & the Lothians voted 85% in favour of Independence. It seems there may be an East/West split though, as we found a surge in support for the Union in Edinburgh & Lothians, voting just 77% for separation meanwhile higher support for independence in Glasgow & the West at 88%.

The result of our readers poll is the highest vote in favour of Independence of any poll so far. This could be in part because the Yes campaign has committed itself to LGBTI equality enshrined in a Scottish constitution if Scotland gains independence.  LGBTI people are also known statistically to be more politically engaged than the population at large.  It could also be affected partly due to the nature of surveying we used, as well the engagement level of both sides on social media. For example, Yes LGBT shared our post with over 12,000 of their Facebook followers, meanwhile LGBT Together has just over 1000.  On Twitter too, there is a wide gap with Yes LGBT having 2303 followers and LGBT Together having just 606.

Alex Salmond, First Minister of Scotland, welcomed the result of the poll, stating: “I am delighted that this poll has produced such an overwhelming level of support for a Yes vote and the opportunity to build a fairer country that comes with it. It is a fantastic response from Scotland’s LGBTI community and is a further demonstration of the surge in support for a Yes vote we have seen across Scotland in recent polls.

“An independent Scotland will herald a new era for equalities in Scotland, enshrining rights and protections in a written constitution. As polling day approaches, I hope we will see a similar level of support from the LGBTI community on Thursday.”

Speaking with KaleidoScot, Scottish National Party member and minister, Shona Robison, said:  “This is a great result and shows strong support among the LGBTI community for independence. It’s clear that more and more people are choosing the positive message of the Yes campaign.

“Scotland has already made good progress towards equality with the Equal Marriage legislation and with independence we can create a more equal society which enshrines basic rights within a written constitution,” she added.

Stuart Duffy, KaleidoScot reporter who was instrumental in setting up the poll, stated: “It’s been so refreshing to see so many people engaged in the referendum debate, whichever side you agree with. Scots are talking about the Yes and No argument everywhere you go. For young people taking part in a huge vote like this for the first time, its been fantastic to see how passionate and informed they are – the referendum has empowered a generation to have a say in politics and that’s great news for Scotland.”

Scotland has under a week to go until it makes the most historic constitutional decision of 300 years. KaleidoScot will have comprehensive Referendum Night coverage, bringing you all the results and commentary from our reporters around the country, including interviews and analysis from the National Count Centre at Ingliston and the major regional counts near you.