Fewer young people identifying as “queer” or “trans”

A recent research report based on polling tens of thousands of American college students each year shows a significant decline among those who identify as “Trans” or “Queer.”

The poll, conducted by the Centre for Heterodox Social Science, found that the number of students who identified as transgender peaked in 2023 at 7 percent but has since nearly halved to under 4 percent.

Not quite as steep a decline, those who simply identify as being “not heterosexual” declined by 10 points from approximately 28 percent to 18. Of this group, those who identify as homosexual has remained stable, but those who identify as “bisexual” or “queer” has decreased. The report’s author, Eric Kaufmann, reflected in a post on X that:

“The fall of trans and queer seems most similar to the fading of a fashion or trend. It happened largely independently of shifts in political beliefs and social media use, though improved mental health played a role.”

While identifying as trans or queer may be less socially popular today, the underlying search for identity and meaning remains. This can only be satisfied when we understand who we are: human beings made by a loving and powerful God, who has a good plan for our lives, including our sexuality. Far from being repressive, conforming our lives to God gives lasting joy and freedom. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).