Statistics reveal Gen Z’s increased shift to bisexuality

Statistics show that younger generations are more inclined to identify with LGB (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual) than ever before.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has published figures that identify a dramatic shift in social attitudes towards sexuality. Gen Z (1995-2012) being far more likely to identify with LGB than older generations.

According to The Times: “Of those aged 16-24 10.4% identified as LGB, compared with 0.9% of those aged 65 and over.”

Figures for older generations have reportedly remained consistent without any abrupt change when considering sexuality. However, young individuals identifying with LGB have tripled between 2014 and 2023. The proportion of LGB respondents from 2013 was 1.6%, compared to 3.8% in 2023.

Access to the internet, online communities that may not be locally accessible, and a number of celebrities sharing these identities, make it much easier to openly identify as your true self

Among these changing trends the ONS has identified a higher influx of responders identifying with bisexuality. The number of 16-24 year olds identifying as bisexual constituted 2.8% in 2018, compared to 7.5% in 2023. This same growth can be seen in 25-34 year olds, climbing up from 1.1% to 3.4% in the same years. Of these individuals, reportedly women are far more likely to identify as bisexual than men.

These developments can be explained by a couple of factors, which may further interpret why this change is largely affecting Gen Z. For one, modern acceptance of gender, sexuality, and individual identity is becoming more prevalent through networking. Access to the internet, online communities that may not be locally accessible, and a number of celebrities sharing these identities, make it much easier to openly identify as your true self.

Although the considerations around sexuality are far from perfect, rising tolerance, acceptance, and self-exploration are all considered to be opening the topic and allowing young people to understand and welcome their own identities.

“It’s amazing that Gen Z has a new relationship with their own gender and sexuality, but they also still have a lot of work to do,” said Laura Westengard, Professor of English and Coordinator of the interdisciplinary Gender & Sexuality Studies Minor at City University of New York.