Is Gen Z Really the Gayest Generation?

According to a new poll from Gallup, one in six Gen Z adults identifies as LGBTQ. These new numbers are up over one percent from 2017. Many people, especially those from older generations, view their younger counterparts as gayer than their generations. Perhaps this generation is not any gayer than the previous generations, but increasing acceptance of sexual and gender minorities could be the key which is finally opening so many closet doors. 

Each year the organization, Gay Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) releases their Accelerating Acceptance Index. This index helps to track the acceptance of the LGBTQ community from those who exist outside of it. The results from their latest index point to an increase in allyship. About 49 percent of people surveyed stated that they were allies of the LGBTQ community. Thirty-eight percent of non-LGBTQ adults surveyed classified themselves as detached supporters, and only 13 percent of those surveyed said they were not supportive of the LGBTQ community in any way. 

Support for equal rights has only increased from previous generations. In a recent Harris Poll, 80 percent of Americans were reported to be supportive of equal rights for the LGBTQ community. Bills being introduced that protect LGBTQ individuals may also be helping in making for a more comfortable and safe environment for younger generations to come out and be themselves. The 2021 Equality Act, which protects LGBTQ individuals from discrimination in employment, housing, credit, education, public spaces, and more, is just one example of vital, inclusive legislation that may be helping with inclusion and acceptance. 

Related: Study Finds 5.6 Percent of U.S. Adults Identify as LGBTQ

Representation in the media has also increased from the media former generations were exposed to growing up. In 2012, only about 4 percent of TV characters were LGBTQ. In 2020, however, more than 10 percent of TV characters were LGBTQ. Exposure to representation in the media could help not only with the acceptance of the LGBTQ community from outside parties but could also help younger generations in coming out of the closet. 

Despite the increase in LGBTQ inclusive legislation and allyship, Gen Z has faced their own set of hardships. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), hate crimes are on a 16-year high, which included hate crimes against LGBTQ individuals. 

We’ve always been gay and trans; we’ve always been bi and nonbinary. Generation Z is one of the first generations to grow up in a more accepting society. Whether or not the trends of acceptance continue, one thing is for sure: We will not go away.