Bill Maher examines jump in LGBTQ, expresses concern over pressure to adopt sexual orientations

The statistics are staggering — almost doubling with every American generation since 1940.

That's worth at least a little consideration, Maher said. Could the upwards trajectory be in part due to a cultural shift and an emphasis on a “trendy” understanding of sexual orientation, he wondered.

"If we follow this trajectory, we will all be gay by 2054,” Maher said. “I’m just saying when things change this much this fast, people are allowed to ask 'what’s up with that?'"

Maher expressed concern that sexual orientation has become a common topic of discussion among younger demographics, encouraging young adults and even children to view heteronormative sexual relations as antiquated or less “hip” than alternative lifestyles.

"I’m happy for LGBTQ folks that we now live in an age where they can live their authentic lives openly, and we should always be mindful of respecting and protecting," Maher said

But, that change — and its cultural impact — is not something the country could afford to overlook, he said.

"Compared to trans, gay is practically cis, and cis is practically Mormon," Maher said, pointing to the proliferation of once-rare but now increasingly common sexual orientations.

"This is a phenomenon we need to take into account when we look at this issue. Yes. part of the rise in LGBT numbers is from people feeling free enough to tell it to a pollster. But some of it is: it’s trendy," Maher said.

He said “trendiness” has caused children who may feel pressured by social media and the culture around them to make life-altering decisions about their bodies through medical situations.

"We’re literally experimenting on children. Common sense should tell you that when you reverse the course of raging hormones, there’s going to be problems."