We are witnessing an astounding cultural shift taking place within Generation Z, the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in American history. Alongside these strengths, they bring new perspectives on race, ethnicity, gender identity, and sexual orientation. In response, they engage with their sexualities in non-normative ways. The data has indicated an alarming trend of declining sex among Gen Z. Fewer teens are engaging in sexual activity in 2021, with only 30% of respondents saying they’ve had sexual intercourse, a drastic 17% decrease from years before. Gen Z is starting a new sexual revolution. From fighting forces such as the collapse of Roe v. Wade to the lasting effects of the #MeToo movement, they channel their anger and passions into powerful works that reflect their distinct visions and voices.
This generation has grown up amidst significant social movements, witnessing mass protests such as the Women’s March of 2017 and the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020. These formative experiences have catalyzed countless young people into activism, most notably in the defense of sexual progressivism. They are still in the streets fighting for freedoms, like those fought for in the violent culture wars of our 1960s and 1970s. At the same time, they’re advocating for positive new rights to reflect their growing understanding of how identity and consent should work.
Over 60% of Gen Zers aged 18-29 identify as left of center politically. Their attitudes towards sexuality and relationships are radically different than their parents’ or grandparents’ generations. About one in four Gen Z members identify as LGBTQ+, making the old story lines of sexual exploration and expression a little muddier. They are vilified for being “terminally online puritans,” incapable of understanding the complexities of human relationships.
Shifting Perspectives on Virginity
Like redefining virginity, Gen Z is deconstructing traditional understandings based in purity culture. Clare, a queer 19-year-old, encapsulates this evolving perspective by stating, “It’s a weird social concept that’s very tied to purity culture.” This sentiment is increasingly echoed by many of his peers as well as, most importantly, the societal pressures they face around having these experiences.
Clare shared her personal feelings about relationships during high school: “I always felt a little weird in high school because I’d never been in a relationship. It felt like a thing I needed to do.” She concluded that societal expectations do not dictate her personal choices: “No one actually cares that much. If it’s something I want to do for me, then sure. But it’s not like a box you need to check off on the ‘normal teenager checklist.’”
Carter Sherman posed a thought-provoking question to Clare: “What, to you, would count as sex?” The difficulties in defining positive sexual experiences speak to the detailed conversations that are happening within Gen Z. Molly, another member of this generation, expressed confusion over her own understanding: “Definitely having sex, like penetrative sex with a man – that was [the definition of] virginity [loss] to me. And so I graduated high school like, ‘Oh my God, I’m a virgin in college. This is the worst thing ever.’”
The Impact of Social Movements and Events
And the societal landscape has played a major role in shaping Gen Z’s sexuality too. Since the fall of Roe v. Wade, roughly 13% of this generation say they are having less sex. The emotional burden that comes with adapting to these changes might play a role in their increasing mental health issues and feelings of loneliness. An op-ed piece in the New York Times directly attributed these obstacles to Gen Z’s decreasing sexual activity.
As many young people navigate these challenges, they express their frustrations through various platforms. One enthusiastic TikTok creator dramatically declared, “GIRLS IT’S TIME TO BOYCOTT ALL MEN!” These issues and calls to action resonate deeply with young people. When their rights and freedoms are compromised, they feel empowered to take direct action.
Additionally, TikTok has turned into a platform where people can openly share their sexuality. As one creator put it, “YOU’RE LEGALLY DEAD, AND THEY’RE LEGALLY TURNING UP THE HEAT ON RAW! Even their conversational tone in Twitter replies is an early indication of their effort to produce and control the discourse on sexuality and personal agency.
A New Era of Sexual Awareness
Gen Z is coming of age during a time marked by heightened awareness around issues related to consent, sexual health and wellbeing. They’re post-#MeToo and post-pandemic – they are people that have seen the profit of societal change come home to roost. This rare union informs how they feel about sexual relationships.
Despite criticisms of being overly cautious or inexperienced, many members of Gen Z are advocating for more thoughtful conversations about sex. Jessie articulated this struggle: “I’m using so many words to try to describe this because as I’m saying it to you, I’m trying to process it in my head. What does it actually mean? I don’t know!” This exercise in uncertainty speaks to the difficulty of understanding intimacy in a time of rapid change and upheaval.
With the rise of Gen Z, beliefs about sex are being questioned and redefined—including the concept of virginity itself. They aren’t simply responding to their cultural moment, they are creating the conditions for it. They reflect a deep and broad range of experiences that represent the best of the old and the new. This combination eventually creates a counter narrative to one that defines sexuality.