A major new global study led by a researcher at The University of Manchester has found that younger generations around the world are embracing a more diverse and fluid understanding of sexual identity than ever before.
The research - which analysed data from over 900,000 users of the queer women's and nonbinary dating app Zoe - offers one of the first truly global pictures of how people identify their sexuality in 122 countries, from the UK and the US to Brazil, South Africa and Taiwan.
The study, published in Demographic Research, found that lesbian and bisexual are the most common identities - but it also shows that younger users are far more likely to describe themselves using newer or broader terms such as queer, pansexual or asexual, suggesting that traditional labels are evolving rapidly.
"Younger generations are showing us that sexuality is not a fixed category - it's a spectrum," said Dr Francesco Rampazzo, lead author and Lecturer in Social Statistics at The University of Manchester. "Across the world, more young people are comfortable describing their identities in diverse and fluid ways."
The research highlights how openness about sexuality often depends on cultural and social context. Countries in Europe, North America and Oceania show the greatest diversity of identities, while users in some parts of Africa and Asia were less likely to share information about their sexuality - likely reflecting differences in social acceptance or legal protection.
"Where people feel safe, they are more likely to express who they really are," said Dr Canton Winer, co-author from the Northern Illinois University. "In places where LGBTQ+ identities remain stigmatised or even criminalised, that freedom is much narrower."
The team emphasises that the study is not just about numbers - it's about visibility. Behind each data point is a real person choosing to be seen.
The findings also show a small but visible proportion of users identifying as asexual, an often-overlooked orientation that's now appearing beyond Western contexts. This hints at a growing global recognition of lesser-known identities.
By working directly with Zoe, which shared anonymised, aggregated data for research, the study marks a new frontier in demographic research. Rather than relying only on national surveys - which often miss sexual minorities - digital data from dating apps can help paint a more inclusive global picture.
"At Zoe, we have always believed that responsible collaboration between industry and academia can produce insights that genuinely benefit LGBTQ+ communities," said Milan Kovacic, the former CEO of Zoe. "Studies like this show how data, when handled with care and respect, can deepen our understanding of people's experiences and help create safer, more inclusive digital spaces. We are proud to support research that contributes to that goal."
The study was conducted by researchers from The University of Manchester, Northern Illinois University and the Zoe App, and is part of ongoing efforts to build a more global understanding of LGBTQ+ identities.
