THE TOLERANCE SPECTRUM Here is the American landscape of acceptance and rejection of gays, based on an analysis of support for gay marriage initiatives in 2012.

STATE LEVEL OF ACCEPTANCE

Most tolerant: Rhode Island

Very tolerant

D.C.

Least tolerant

Least tolerant: Mississippi

ARE THERE FEWER GAY MEN IN THE LEAST TOLERANT STATES?

The online public sphere gives that impression. Percent of male Facebook profiles, of those with a gender preference, choosing men:

But in the private sphere, the gay share is larger and consistent. Percent of all Google porn searches seeking gay male images:

GROUPS OF STATES

HIGH SCHOOLERS

ALL MALES

Very tolerant

1.4% 1.4 1.2 1.2 0.8

2.6% 2.4 2.0 1.8 1.6

5.4% 5.1 4.9 4.7 5.2

Least tolerant

THE LEAST-ALIKE STATES: CONCEALMENT VS. OPENNESS

In school: For every openly gay male high school student on Facebook in Mississippi …

At home: In Mississippi, there are 50 percent more Google searches asking, “Is my husband gay?” …

MISSISSIPPI

… there are 5.5 in Rhode Island.

… than there are in Rhode Island.