Gen Z Teens Have Come Out to Their Parents in Record Numbers

A new study has shown the increased disparity between the way Gen Z express and discuss their sexuality as opposed to earlier generations. The survey, released last week by the American Psychological Association, shows a record amount of queer boys are out to their parents.

Of those polled, two-thirds of respondents reported that they were out to their female parents/guardian, and one half said that they were out to their male parent/guardian. However, the survey found that it was less likely for teens of color to be out to either of their parents.

Overall, These numbers have increased greatly since the 1990s. In the same survey conducted two decades ago, only 40 percent of teenage boys responded that they were out to their mothers, and only 30 percent responded that they were out to their fathers. That survey also pointed to a variety of factors that respondents gave as reasons for keeping their sexuality a secret. These included internalized homophobia, shame from religious upbringing and belief that homosexuality was not normal and something they should be ashamed of.

The study also found that those in Gen Z are likelier to come out earlier to their parents, with the average age of boys coming out being between 15.9 and 17 years old.

The larger number of teenagers coming out to their parents should be celebrated, but that wasn’t the only findings from the survey. Despite teenagers being more likely to come out to their parents, the survey also found that rates of bullying and harassment for LGBTQ people have stayed the same since the survey started two decades ago.

“This study is encouraging in that it shows that many teens, including those under 18 years old, are comfortable with their sexuality,” says the study’s lead author, David A. Moskowitz, PhD, in a press release. “At the same time, we must be cautious, as the data also point to some of the same barriers and discrimination that previous generations have faced. Work still needs to be done.”

A Gallup poll released in February showed that Gen Z identified themselves as the queerest generation in history, but researchers urge those to remember that Generation Z includes people between the ages of 23 and 6, so much research needs to be completed before an accurate picture of the generation can be provided.