
Many Gen Zers arenโt having sex nowadays, and itโs not because they canโt get any. A new survey conducted by the dating app BLK Dating App found that 43% of Black Gen Z daters are currently practicing celibacy. Among this Black Gen Z group, 64% of Black women are choosing the celibate life, meaning theyโre abstaining from physical intimacy.
Why are Gen Z individuals choosing not to engage in sexual intercourse? The survey uncovered a myriad of reasons. The leading reason at 61% is personal growth or self-discovery. Frustration with a toxic dating environment was another reason survey respondents cited.
โWhat weโre seeing with Black Gen Z singles is more than just a dating trendโitโs a movement towards personal empowerment and emotional well-being,โ said Jonathan Kirkland, Head of Brand and Marketing at BLK. โThis generation values authenticity and is reclaiming their narratives, prioritizing self-discovery over societal expectations. The rise in celibacy speaks to their desire for healthier relationships, both with themselves and others, and thatโs a powerful statement.โ
Holding out on sex seems to be rewarding for some of the survey respondents, seeing as 87% said celibacy has either positively impacted their dating life or made no difference.
Key Survey Findings:
- 43% of Black Gen Z daters are practicing celibacy.
- 64% of Black Gen Z women are celibate, with 63% having been celibate for less than six months.
- 61% cited personal growth or self-discovery as their primary reason for celibacy.
- 66% reported improved mental and emotional well-being due to celibacy.
- 87% said celibacy has either positively impacted their dating life or made no difference.
- 1 in 3 Black Gen Z daters believe celibacy is becoming more accepted, though 43% still feel thereโs a stigma within the Black community.
In recent times, several Black celebrities have come out to discuss their celibacy journeys. For instance, singer Omarion recently revealed that heโs been celibate for the past three years during an interview with Andrรฉ Duqumโs Know Thyself podcast.
Singer Lenny Kravitz also revealed that he hadnโt had sex in nine years back in March. He said he was holding out for the right person and chose the celibacy path to not allow โmy own desires take over.โ







In 2008, Kravitz also touched on his celibacy journey and how itโs a spiritual affair. โIn the end, thatโs going to help me to find the right person,โ he said during an interview. โSo Iโm not going to waver on that. Thatโs a promise I made to God three years ago,โ he said at the time.
In addition to Omarion and Lenny, singer Mya has also shared that sheโs been celibate for seven years, and itโs given her mental clarity.
While Black celebrities speaking openly about celibacy may help destigmatize the lifestyle choice, some people still feel itโs not acceptable. 1 in 3 Black Gen Z daters from the survey believe celibacy is becoming more accepted. However, 43% percent still feel thereโs a stigma within the Black community.