Happy Pride Month, we wanted to celebrate our most queer and powerful generation, ever.
Generation Z, are changing the world with their queerness, coolness and unwavering power for change. Breaking the norms and stereotypes of previous generations, they are creating a more open and inclusive society for everyone 🌈
The first generation to grow up in a world where LGBTQ+ rights are widely visible, accepted, and discussed, this generation is more likely to openly identify as queer than previous generations, and are expressing their gender identity freely.
Gen Z: The Most Queer and Powerful Generation Ever
If you know those born between 1997 and 2002, you’re probably already aware that they are part of the queerest generation ever. The research is out there to back it up:
🏳️🌈 One in six of Gen Z identifies as something other than straight, and most are bi.
🏳️🌈 40% of Gen Z (16-26-year-olds) showed a “pattern of attraction” that can be described as queer
🏳️🌈 11.5% of all Gen Z adults in the U.S. are bi, compared to 3.1% of all U.S. adults.
Why are GenZ so openly queer?
One reason is that they grew up with more LGBTQIA representation and acceptance than ever before. They've seen same-sex couples getting married, celebrities and influencers coming out as LGBTQIA, and social media platforms that let them explore and express their unique identities.
Another reason is that they 'don’t care about labels or boxes'. They use terms like queer, non-binary, gender-fluid, or pansexual to describe ourselves, rather than the old-school labels of lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. They also know that sexuality and gender are not black and white, but shades of rainbow, and they can be whoever they want to be.
Ultimately to grow up as a digital native has probably been the most influential on queer visibility. Unlike generations before them they've had access to information, content and resources through the internet and social media, where other generations were incredibly limited by comparison. The ability to explore outside of their family, community, and location, they can express their identities more freely and safely, join global queer communities, and meet global queer friends.
Their queerness has an impact on everything they do, from politics to culture to education to health to business. They are more progressive and inclusive than older generations on issues like racial justice, climate change, immigration, and reproductive rights. Naturally, they also support LGBTQIA rights and representation in media, politics, and workplaces.
They also bring the power ✊
Not only the queerest generation ever, but also the most powerful and influential.
Gen Z are the biggest living generation in the U.S. and UK., with about 68 million in the States, and 14 million (15%) in the UK in 2020, making it the largest generational cohort of each country at this time.
They are also the most educated, connected, and creative generation ever, with access to tons of information, technology, and opportunities. They are future leaders in technology, social justice, and environmental sustainability, leaving school and entering the labour market on mass, they will soon take their place as our leaders of industry, society and innovation. ( Blog: Gen Z Could Change the World).
Notable young queer activists that are changing the world are:
🌈 Emma González, Jamie Margolin, Logan Rozos, and Sarah Rose Huckman, who are GLAAD’s 20 Under 20 honouree's for their activism in areas such as gun reform, climate justice, trans representation, and sports inclusion.
🌈 Ellie, Eddy, Li and Axelle, who attended Stonewall’s Young Campaigners programmes for Disabled young LGBT people, and young LGBT People of Colour (PoC), and are working on issues such as accessibility, reproductive rights, and creative expression.
🌈 Maya Noir, Miles McKenna, and Jazz Jennings, who are queer influencers creating and curating content that represents and empowers the LGBTQIA community.
Queer influencers are using their platforms to create and distributing information that not only upholds the LGBTQIA community but builds its culture.
The reality is, Queer or not, Gen Z is visible and vocal and they are creating a safer, more inclusive and diverse world for future generations.
They are breaking the norms and stereotypes of previous generations, and creating a society for everyone.
They are not afraid to be themselves and are proud of who they are... and we are proud of them too!
You've got this 😎✌️
Gem Hallett, miFuture Founder
www.miFuture.co.uk | @miFutureSkills
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