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Polls Show Gen Z Is the Gayest Generation Yet—And They Also Don't Want to Be Labeled
Younger folks are increasingly shifting from traditional labels and favoring umbrella terms like "queer."
Gen Z has long been known as the generation with the most LGBTQ+ members, but recent research reveals that it is also the generation most likely to embrace unspecific labels.
Among 18- to 26-year-olds, 26 percent said they identify as "something other than straight," according to a new poll from Business Insider and YouGov. This compares to 15 percent of Millennials, 11 percent of Gen X, and 7 percent of Baby Boomers.
Gen Z is more likely to identify under the umbrella term of "queer" rather than a specific label. 5 percent self-identify as queer, compared to just 1 percent of Millennials and Gen X, and less than 1 percent of Boomers.
Gen Z is also more likely to embrace the "bisexual" label, as opposed to "binary terms that suggest they like only one type of person," such as "gay" or "lesbian." 13 percent of Gen Z identifies as bisexual, compared to 7 percent of Millennials and 4 percent of Gen X. Only 1 percent of Boomers identify as bisexual.
However, researchers noted that this does not necessarily mean there are more bisexual people in today's generation, and that the data could instead suggest that more youth today feel comfortable coming out, and being open about their sexuality.
The data nonetheless shows Gen Z's embrace of the term, as well as their embrace of the label queer. Many respondents stated that they alternate between labels depending on the context, using the term queer in tandem with those such as lesbian or gay.
One 24-year-old respondent said that she primarily uses queer, but added that "I also think 'lesbian' has a political meaning, so I like that word as well." Another 21-year-old said he uses both queer and gay, but tends to use queer because "some people like to miscategorize [gay] as excluding people."
Researchers noted that the data and personal examples reflect the fluidity of sexuality, and the attitude among LGBTQ+ youth that, as one respondent put it, "change can be good, too."
Ryan is a reporter at The Advocate, and a graduate of New York University Tisch's Department of Dramatic Writing, with a focus in television writing and comedy. She first became a published author at the age of 15 with her YA novel "Someone Else's Stars," and is now a member of GALECA, the LGBTQ+ society of entertainment critics, and the IRE, the society of Investigative Reporters and Editors. In her free time, Ryan likes watching New York Rangers hockey, listening to the Beach Boys, and practicing witchcraft.
Ryan is a reporter at The Advocate, and a graduate of New York University Tisch's Department of Dramatic Writing, with a focus in television writing and comedy. She first became a published author at the age of 15 with her YA novel "Someone Else's Stars," and is now a member of GALECA, the LGBTQ+ society of entertainment critics, and the IRE, the society of Investigative Reporters and Editors. In her free time, Ryan likes watching New York Rangers hockey, listening to the Beach Boys, and practicing witchcraft.
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