Research finds 1 in 4 LGBTQ youth identify as nonbinary

While this is definitely a useful explanation of what being nonbinary is, it’s clear that identifying as nonbinary holds a different meaning for everyone.

Across the board though, it provides a sense of comfort and freedom.

Transgender communities have been previously interlinked with the nonbinary identity. However, the research has shown that only half of all respondents who identified as nonbinary also identified as transgender.

From this, the report has been able to show how ‘while transgender and nonbinary identities are related, youth understand them as distinct identities.’

Of the young surveyed, the majority reported that they are attracted to multiple genders.

‘Among nonbinary youth in the sample, 28% were bisexual, 27% were pansexual, 22% were queer, 14% were lesbian, 6% were gay, 2% were questioning their sexual orientation, and less than 1% described their sexual orientation as straight.’

However, due to the nature of the poll sample which was targeted to LGBTQ communities via targeted social media advertisements, it’s likely heterosexual respondents made up a small number of those surveyed.

Another interesting facet of the research was the insight it provides on the ethnic makeup of nonbinary community.

According to the data, nonbinary youth come from a wide variety of backgrounds with similar percentages present across Native/Indigenous, Asian Americans, Black, Latinx youth.

When surveyed on what was most important to those surveyed, the correct use of pronouns was reported as the number one way to make them feel supported, respected, and confident in their identity.

A study like the Trevor Project’s sheds light on just how common gender fluidity and nonbinary identities are amongst young people.

It’s a rich study that could be used to advocate for better policies around supporting nonbinary youth, especially in places such as schools, hospitals, and other social service organisations.

When such a large portion of Gen-Z identify as nonbinary, it’s certainly worth learning more about. Hopefully more studies like this one are already underway.