Gen Z ten times more likely to identify as bisexual or gay than Boomers, ONS study finds
Gen Z ten times more likely to identify as bisexual or gay than Boomers, ONS study finds
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Generation Z is ten times more likely to identify as gay or bisexual than Boomers, according to ONS data. It comes as more acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community emerges amid massive legislative wins around the world around same-sex marriage. While 93.6% of people over 16 surveyed identified themselves as heterosexual, the report found that younger people were more likely to identify themselves as part of the LGBTQ+ community.
The report found that 10.4% of people between the ages of 16 and 24 identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual, while just 0.9% of people over 65 did so. According to the ONS research, this is likely attributed to people being more open to identifying themselves as lesbian, gay or bisexual amid shifting societal perspectives.
“The increase in LGB responses may be attributed to more people being more open to identifying their own sexual orientation as being LGB, together with changing societal attitudes meaning a greater acceptance of different sexual orientations,” the report said.
The report also revealed that London had the highest amount of people identifying as lesbian, gay or bisexual, whereas Northern Ireland recorded some of the lowest figures. Growing visibility for the LGBTQ+ community, including annual Pride events and more legislation to protect LGBTQ+ rights, has helped dispel negative perceptions and create more acceptance over the years.
