How Gen Z battles modern homophobia

Spending a lot of time on the Internet, whether that be on Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter, I have noticed a phenomenon in which queer teenagers act somewhat homophobic. Examples of this include saying things such as “I would never be gay,” “I hate gay people,” “beating the gay allegations,” or phrases generally surrounding homophobia. This not only displays modern Internet and Gen Z culture, but also shows how this new generation of queer youth interacts with each other and understands LGBTQ+ history.

In saying things with homophobic undertones, or things that are blatantly homophobic as a joke, there can be a clear understanding of the privilege of the queer youth, or newer generation of queer people. By referring to this “newer” generation, it is meant that this is a generation of queer people who have grown up or discovered their queerness in the age of the Internet. It is important not to underestimate the power and effect of Internet access on queer youth. For many, it provided an outlet to share their queerness when they may not have been safely able to in their home settings. For others, it allowed them to understand their queerness by reading about other people’s experiences in order to better comprehend their own. 

What I have come to realize is that in acting homophobic, this new generation of queer people, who are made up mostly of Gen Z, attempt to assert dominance, or at the very least, demonstrate that they are on the Internet and in real life and are there to stay. Many of the Tweets, TikToks, and Instagram posts that demonstrate these homophobic phrases reference, mimic, or emulate actual homophobic statements. They mock arguments used by homophobes in order to prove that they fail to bring them down. 

In modern society, there must be modern ways to fight against bigotry and homophobia. That modern way, for the Generation Z queer community, is through the Internet, and through taking back homophobic statements thrown at them in order to assure the world that they will always be there. What this ultimately proves for the future of the LGBTQ+ community is that they will continue to create ways to fight against homophobia. While externally it appears to be blatant homophobia, in reality, it is meant to bind a community together, and to prove the power of the Internet for a community in modern society.