As awareness develops, the number of Generation Z is increasing.

Study results are mixed when it comes to the number of youth who identify as LGBTQIA+.

A survey of 1,367 young people by YouthSense in 2023 found that: Nearly a third of 15 to 24 year olds identify as LGBTQIA+.

Earlier this year, Research conducted by Australian Catholic University with 8,500 people It found that 18.9 percent of 16 to 24-year-olds do not identify as heterosexual, while 2.3 percent identify as gender diverse. That’s twice the adult population, which is about 9.5 percent, according to the study.

Although sample sizes and results vary, it is clear that the results are not simple and indicate critical gaps in the research.

Historically, how people identify themselves has not been included in the national census. This is likely to change in 2026, although the exact questions are still under wraps.

There you have it. But it’s clear that more young people are identifying as LGBTQIA+ than in previous generations, and we’re here to examine why.

‘It’s not people who suddenly have increased gender diversity’

Adrian Murdoch is general manager of brand and business development for Minus18, an Australia-wide charity that aims to improve the lives of LGBTQIA+ young people through events, leadership programs and community education.

“From one perspective, our understanding of this figure is that it doesn’t mean there are suddenly more gay or gender diverse people coming out,” says Adrian.

Jay, 18, says he grew up in a “much more accepting” environment.

“I think it’s TV shows and being able to see it to know it exists.”

Devon thinks there is more awareness.

“There are more people who are aware that they are queer and that they can be queer on the outside because there is so much more representation,” she says.

“And being able to see other people as openly gay and gay makes you feel like it’s okay for you, and makes you feel like your identity is real and valid and tangible.”

Anna Brown, chief executive of Equality Australia, says past government policies have a lot to do with the way older generations define themselves.

“They’ve lived most of their lives with the threat of being judged just because of who they are and who they love,” she says.

“So we’re talking about a long history of criminalization and the shame and stigma that comes with that.”

Fast forward to marriage equality.

“This was a defining moment for our movement and our communities,” says Anna.

“This was a time when millions of our allies supported us in a way we have never seen before in Australian history.

“There is no doubt that that moment was a nation-defining moment for Australia and the social change that came with it.”

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‘The number of role models is increasing’

Television studies researcher Damien O’Meara says we’re seeing more gay representation in the media.

“What we know from research is that not only does seeing yourself as a gay person on screen help you embody your identity, feel more connected, support your mental health as you develop your identity, but that seeing yourself as a gay person on screen not only helps wider communities understand the issue but are more likely to accept us if they are exposed to us.” “It’s high,” he says.

“Increasing the number of role models means young people feel more comfortable opening up,” says Anna.

“Whether it’s celebrities or artists who come out as trans or gender non-binary, people like Elliot Page.”

Damien says representation on screen has changed a lot.

“Growing up in the ’90s, (for us) we were sad, lonely, victims, having this homogeneous, very tragic experience as a community that wasn’t universally true,” she says.

“We are now getting a wider variety of stories about who we are, and so there is a greater opportunity for wider society to understand who we are and how our communities work.

“They see Ru Paul drag racing. They learn about queer history. But they also see something like Heartstopper.”

Jay says he feels a connection to the movie I Saw the TV Glow.

“It feels like one of the first movies made for trans people; it was made not to educate other people, like cisgender people, but to show the experience through the art form of film.”

“Also, Heartbreak High was incredible.”

There is also music.

“I listen to a lot of music by queer creators like Chapel Roan and Reneé Rapp,” says Devon.

“The person who made me feel comfortable about my sexuality, and probably a lot of people, is Lady Gaga,” says Charlie.

“We are seeing LGBTQIA+ individuals thrive in contexts and environments we have not seen before,” says Adrian.

“I think of Darcy Vescio, who is an outstanding non-binary AFLW player.

“You have the ability to think like that when you were growing up, I didn’t think sports would be inclusive for me… But now we’re starting to see, oh, maybe I can actually do it.”

Adrian says the internet gives young people better access to information about gender and sexuality.

“This can seem really polarizing, but once you get familiar with it you realize, hey, I see myself in this.”

Charlie says the internet can be a safe place of acceptance for young LGBTQIA+ people “if they don’t have a safe place at home and/or school.”

‘Where am I going with all this?’

So far positive, but LGBTQIA+ youth still face real challenges.

The YouthSense survey we mentioned earlier found that 23 percent of young LGBTQIA+ people say they have experienced discrimination and 49 percent say they have had a negative experience at school.

Jay says it’s difficult for many transgender people to find the right healthcare.

“The waiting list for any hormone treatment in Adelaide is about three years,” he says.

“It saves lives for so many people.

“I have friends who say if they don’t get this treatment (before they turn 18) they still can’t imagine being here.

While the information is there, Devon says, “As a kid, you think, like, where do I go with all this? Like, I’m gay? What happens now? Having these spaces to be able to express yourself and connect with other young gay people is so important.”

Charlie’s advice to anyone struggling to understand their own identity: “You’re not alone. I will say that everyone experiences this. Don’t think you’re unnatural or normal for the way you feel.”

“It’s okay to question. It’s okay to not rush,” says Jay.

“You will grow up and it will come to you.”

“I think the important thing to remember is that there is nothing wrong with any of it,” says Devon.

“It’s all you, and you will be it, no matter what the world around you says.”