Additionally, outing people because of perceptions that their political positions are anti-gay has become increasingly common since 1989.

There is some emphasis on sex scandals since the mid-1970s, because the media was less inclined to cover these matters before then. by resigning, being defeated, or deciding not to run again). Sometimes, the officials have denied the accusations, have apologized, or have lost their office in consequence of the scandal (e.g.

Many sex scandals in American history have involved incumbent United States federal elected politicians, as well as persons appointed with the consent of the United States Senate.