How does your identity show up?

Do these sentences resonate with you? 👇

• "I'm just trying to get by, figuring out who I am will come."
• "I want to explore and express myself now, but I'm not sure how."
• "Look at how diverse and vibrant the world is – I don’t need to conform to old labels."

If you vibe with any of these, you're in good company.

We're the generation redefining norms and creating our own identities.

Gen Z is the most diverse generation ever, and we're living and breathing that diversity every day.

Understanding our cultural identity is the next step in owning who we are. Let’s explore what makes us unique.

"Identity is not found, but created." - Anaïs Nin

So, what shapes our cultural identity?

Gen Z is all about fluidity.

• Vice’s study reveals that 41% of us identify as neutral on the spectrum of masculinity and femininity.
• Nearly half of us don’t label ourselves as strictly heterosexual.
• Labels? They can be helpful, but we often find them restrictive. We thrive on authenticity, whether online or offline.

We don't just accept this fluidity; we celebrate it. Our identities are not confined by the binary norms of the past. We create spaces where everyone can express themselves without fear of judgment. This fluidity extends beyond gender and sexuality, influencing our views on relationships, careers, and even hobbies. We mix and match, blend and blur, always evolving.

Diversity in media is a big deal

• Vox Media highlights that we’re the first generation to grow up with a Black president and witness the legalization of same-sex marriage.
• This has shaped our understanding of identity to be intersectional and inclusive.
• We hold media and brands accountable for promoting diversity and authenticity.
• We demand representation because seeing ourselves reflected in media validates our experiences and empowers us to be ourselves.

According to Vox, Gen Z has a spending power of $360 billion, but we’re conscious consumers. We support brands that align with our values and reject those that don’t walk the talk.

Diversity in media isn't just about checking boxes. It's about telling real, diverse stories. We want to see complex characters and real-life narratives that reflect the world we live in. Whether it’s movies, TV shows, or social media, we expect authenticity and depth. We celebrate creators who push boundaries and challenge norms. Representation matters because it shapes perceptions and fosters empathy. When we see diverse stories, we understand each other better.

We value authenticity

• Research from the NCBI shows that we crave authenticity above all. Authenticity isn't just a buzzword; we see through facades and value genuine connections.
• Influencers who share their unfiltered lives are more relatable to us than those who only show the highlight reel.

Our generation values vulnerability. We appreciate when people are open about their struggles and triumphs. This creates a sense of community and belonging. We use social media to build connections, not just followers. We look for authenticity in all aspects of life – from friendships to brands we support. This extends to our workplaces too. We seek out employers who are transparent and align with our values.

• Platforms like BeReal and movements like #nofilter encourage us to embrace our true selves.
• We’re moving away from the heavily curated and towards the raw and real.
• Authenticity builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any relationship – whether personal or professional.

"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." - Oscar Wilde

What's important to YOUR identity?

Think about these questions to understand your unique identity:

• In what ways do YOU express YOUr gender and sexuality?
• When do YOU feel more authentic — online or in-person — and why?
• Which media or brands do YOU feel align with YOUr values?
• What core values are most important to you?
• How do YOUr cultural or personal experiences affect the way YOU show up?

"Our diversity is our strength. What a dull and pointless life it would be if everyone was the same." - Angelina Jolie

Click on the dropdowns below to see the easy action items:

Some vibes to close us out

Embracing your unique identity is a journey worth taking.

It's easier said than done, but celebrate your individuality, seek out diverse perspectives, and stay true to your authentic self.

Connecting with communities that reflect your values and supporting brands that genuinely represent you helps! It all contributes to the ultimate goal of expressing yourself boldly.

Keep shining.

YOU got this. 💭✨

Sources

• "The Vice Guide to 2030," Vice (2021).
• "Insights & Innovation: For Gen Z, Identity is What They Make It," Vox Media (2021).
• "Generation Z, values, and media: from influencers to BeReal, between visibility and authenticity," National Center for Biotechnology Information (2022).

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