Gen Z is Driving Force Among Adults Identifying As LGBTQ, Gallup Poll Shows

Gen Z adults represent the largest LGBTQ population of any generation, with one out of every five identifying as such - and that number is expected to grow steadily over time.

These young adults were raised in a world that was much more accepting of LGBT issues than it was for their parents. Multiple factors have contributed to this shift.

1. They’re Growing Up in a More Accepting World

One in five Gen Z adults identify as LGBTQ, and that number is expected to increase. A Gallup poll estimates that between 10-15% of adult population could identify this way "in the not too distant future," depending on where you live.

This marks a marked shift from the past, when many felt they couldn't express their identity freely. Nowadays, millennials and Generation Z are growing up in an increasingly accepting world thanks to marriage equality and shifting attitudes about sexual orientation in society.

In today's world, Gen Zers are more likely to take a progressive stand on issues. They are more likely to say that Blacks face unfair treatment in this country, they believe government should play a more active role in solving issues and they are increasingly concerned with climate change.

Gen Z is more pessimistic than other generations, with 46% feeling this way compared to 37% for other generations - and that number has been rising (+6% since 2014).

But they also seem more accepting of a less patriarchal model of society where men aren't the head of the household - which marks an important distinction from their parents' generation, who were more in favor of such an arrangement.

Gallup's most recent poll reveals that an evolving attitude towards more inclusivity and egalitarianism in society is the primary force driving growth among LGBTQ individuals. While this trend has been evident for years, the number of young people identifying as LGBTQ has now reached a historic high.

The numbers also highlight some key trends within the LGBTQ community. For instance, millennials and Gen Zers are more likely to identify as bisexual than older generations, while women self-identify as LGBTQ than their male counterparts.

This new generation is more racially diverse than any before it, which is evident in their social media content and attitudes. They display greater acceptance of racial and ethnic minorities than previous generations, as well as being more likely to embrace their identity and celebrate differences. Furthermore, they use social media more actively to advocate for causes they care about.

2. They’re Embracing Their Identity

A recent poll reveals the youngest generation in America are driving the growth of LGBTQ identity, according to a new survey. This trend will likely accelerate as Gen Z enters adulthood and replaces older generations in the U.S.

Gallup reported that 21% of Gen Z adults (those born between 1997 and 2003) who have reached adulthood, or those born between 1997 and 2003, identify as LGBT, nearly double the percentage of millennials and even wider than older generations. This means the proportion of self-identified LGBT individuals has nearly doubled since 2017, when only a small segment of Gen Z had reached adulthood, they said in a statement.

Gen Z is a generation that's growing up in an increasingly accepting world than their predecessors. While they may not feel the need to closet themselves off, they have still experienced plenty of bullying and harassment from those who don't share their sexuality or gender identity.

Gallup recently conducted a survey that revealed young people are increasingly coming to terms with their identities, according to its survey. The new figure of 5.6% Americans identifying as LGBTQ is up from 4.5% last year and marks an all-time high since Gallup started tracking this community in 2012.

"The increase is driven primarily by younger generations, especially Gen Z," Gallup senior editor Jeff Jones told USA TODAY. The poll results are evidence that young people feel safe coming out and living their lives openly," Jones concluded.

Though these numbers are encouraging, they come amid an anti-LGBTQ legislative crusade that's already underway. According to Equality Federation and Movement Advancement Project estimates, at least 100 bills were introduced in 2021 that would prevent trans youths from participating in sports and 40 targeted gender affirming medical care for them, respectively.

These laws can make it harder for young people to obtain employment, attend school or access healthcare. Furthermore, they may negatively influence their self-image and how they relate to others.

Gen Z is particularly passionate about social justice and is drawn to brands that share these ideals. Companies that prioritize employee wellbeing and community impact are more appealing to Gen Z than those aiming simply for financial gain, according to the report. That explains why companies like Glossier, Fenty Beauty, Gucci and Rooki have become so popular with this generation, it added.

3. They’re Creating New Trends

Recent Gallup poll data indicates Gen Zers are the driving force behind adult LGBTQ identity, according to a trend predicted to continue as more of this generation reach adulthood.

Data released by Gallup recently reveals a historic high for LGBTQ Americans, surpassing five percent for the first time since 2012 when Gallup began tracking this statistic.

Further, the poll revealed that numbers vary across generation groups. Women were more likely than men to identify as LGBT and people who lean left politically were more likely to do so, the survey revealed.

Furthermore, younger generations seem more accepting of their LGBTQ identities than previous ones. This isn't just due to a better understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity; it also stems from an increased desire to stay true to oneself.

Gen Zers are showing their identities through fashion. They're creating trends that reflect their LGBTQ identity and reject the "girls only" and "boys only" mentality. For instance, one young lesbian woman I know recently ditched millennial lesbian culture's preference for backward snapbacks in favor of visors.

She donned a pink vest over a large white button-down and finished the ensemble with pink purse, big hoop earrings, and nameplate necklaces. This ensemble is perfect for women who want to express their queer identity while looking put-together and polished at the same time.

As more Gen Zers emerge, they'll be creating trends that will shape how people live for years to come. This is an important development, as it makes our society more accepting of difference.

Another way Gen Z is influencing our culture is through their activism. They're using their voices and power to advocate for equality and justice for all, as well as showing their support of gender neutral bathrooms.

All of these factors have enabled Generation Z to be the most outspoken and inclusive generation in history. They stand on the cusp of a time when their social values will shape everything from how we treat one another to creating an equitable future for everyone.

4. They’re Passionate

Gallup's ever-highest generation survey reveals that one out of every five Gen Z adults identify as LGBTQ, and this number is expected to keep rising, according to a poll released Thursday.

According to the poll, 21 percent of Gen Z adults identify as LGBTQ, compared to 10.5% among millennials and 4.5% among Generation X and baby boomers. Furthermore, it was noted that LGBTQ identity has been increasing among younger generations over the last decade.

Gen Z is unique among generations in that they are highly connected and highly opinionated, with social causes like body positivity, mental health issues, and LGBTQ rights becoming their top priorities. This drive for activism stems from their exposure to the internet and social media which has made them acutely aware of world events.

Recent survey results demonstrate how passionate Gen Zers are about gender equality and LGBTQ rights. For instance, they are much more likely to support the rights of same-sex couples to adopt than other age groups, and more than half believe more gender neutral options should be included on online forms that ask for someone's gender.

They are highly aware of their gender and identity, often including preferred pronouns in emails and social media profiles. This marks a remarkable change from older generations who tend to be more conservative when it comes to beliefs regarding sexuality and gender roles.

Although this is an encouraging step, more work needs to be done. Many of today's Gen Z adults are still young and haven't graduated high school yet, which could prevent them from fully accepting their identity as members of this generation.

Furthermore, discrimination still occurs in the workplace. A recent survey by Innovation Group revealed that 55% of Gen Z individuals have reported feeling unfairly treated at work.

This study revealed that more Gen Z adults than millennials are openly and proudly accepting their sexuality. Nearly one out of every six Gen Z individuals identify as transgender or queer, while nearly one in three are bisexual.