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A new generational divide stirs up the gay internet.
We’re talking about this recent tweet that set Gay Twitter/X ablaze. It reads: “Gen z queers really have NO struggles cause prep exists, coming out a young age is acceptable, minimal hate crimes, DADT repeal, gay marriage legalized, etc etc so they gotta pick an issue with fucking everything.”
Gen z queers really have NO struggles cause prep exists, coming out a young age is acceptable, minimal hate crimes, DADT repeal, gay marriage legalized, etc etc so they gotta pick an issue with fucking everything 💀
— war hunk (@salopeici) April 28, 2025
Depending on your generation—and your experience—you might nod in agreement, or bristle with frustration. While older LGBTQ+ folks remember the days of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, the AIDS crisis, and being disowned for simply existing, some feel like younger generations are growing up in a world with significantly fewer obstacles. Others, however, are quick to point out that just because the struggle has changed doesn’t mean it’s disappeared.
Here’s what the gay men on Twitter/X had to say:
“Entire generations paved the way for them and they’re like ‘wow you’re 30 and have sex and go to music concerts? You should be dead instead'”
Entire generations paved the wave for them and they’re like “wow you’re 30 and have sex and go to music concerts? You should be dead instead”
— war hunk (@salopeici) April 28, 2025
This biting sarcasm captures the generational tension many older gay men feel. Some feel dismissed or mocked by younger queers who didn’t have to grow up during the height of HIV/AIDS or without legal protections. It’s not about wanting Gen Z to suffer—it’s about wanting acknowledgment that past struggles paved the way.
“I think they have different struggles. Look, us old folk fought so they can have these rights, and I’m bloody proud of the fact they don’t have to worry (or worry less) about things like coming out or HIV. It’s progress and we all should be proud 🏳️🌈“
I think they have different struggles. Look, us old folk fought so they can have these rights, and I'm bloody proud of the fact they don't have to worry (or worry less) about things like coming out or HIV.
— David (@gingertrvlguru) April 28, 2025
It's progress and we all should be proud 🏳️🌈
This perspective takes a more generous, hopeful tone. Rather than dismissing the progress, this commenter sees the improved conditions for Gen Z as a sign that the fight was worth it. It’s a reminder that progress means less struggle for the next generation—not zero struggle.
“Let’s just keep our tone-deaf comments to ourselves because you don’t understand the true experience of being Gen Z and queer in this era… many states creating legislation trying to prevent the full rights and privileges to gay people, etc etc.”
lets just keep our tone deaf comments to ourselves bc you dont understand the true experience of being gen z and queer in this era, especially having two trump presidencies, many states creating legislation trying to prevent the full rights and privileges to gay people, etc etc
— tj (@tjalt99) April 29, 2025
This user fires back, calling out the privilege and narrow lens of the original tweet. Even in the U.S., Gen Z queers still live under the shadow of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and cultural pushback. The claim that there are “minimal hate crimes” ignores the reality for many.
“Did someone hurt your feelings by calling you old or something?… saying that Gen Z queers have no struggles is idiotic to say. Especially, when we have ‘don’t say gay’ bills, increase in hate—”
Here’s a reminder that being young and queer today still means facing serious threats. From Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill to the rise in anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric online and in politics, Gen Z isn’t exactly living in a queer utopia.
Did someone hurt your feelings by calling you old or something? Because this is what this is giving. Also, the lack of nuisance in this is crazy because saying that gen z queers have no struggles is idiotic to say. Especially, when we have "don't say gay bills", increase in hate-
— Ty_Bobbi88 (@TBobbi88) April 28, 2025
“You don’t know their struggles maybe. A lot of work still has to be done.”
Simple but powerful. Assuming that another group has no struggles is dangerous—especially when gay rights are constantly under review and attack, even in the most “progressive” places.
You don’t know their struggles maybe. A lot of work still has to be done.
— 🌊 (@asapkage_) April 29, 2025
“60+ countries still criminalize homosexuality… One of our struggles is when people say we have ‘no struggles’ 🤡“
60+ countries still criminalize homosexuality, only 30+ allow same-sex marriage, gays still get bashed and demonized for coming out, people still think that many gay people have HIV/AIDS.
— OPPRESS THE OPPRESSORS, DEFEND THE DEFENDERS (@Janrieeeeeee) April 29, 2025
One of our struggles is when people say we have “no struggles”🤡
This global perspective reminds us that even if queer Gen Zs in some regions have more rights, the fight for equality is far from over. Visibility, safety, and legality remain life-threatening concerns around the world.
“How about you guys be a good example for younger gay men by not discrediting their hardships… Reverse the cycle and help us grow and change, not by judging. How bout that.”
Rather than gatekeeping pain, this user suggests breaking the pattern. Support, not scorn, is how we build a stronger LGBTQ community—one where every generation lifts the next.
How about you guys be a good example for younger gays men by not discrediting their hardships the way the world has towards queer individuals throughout history. Reverse the cycle and help us grow and change, not by judging. How bout that,
— Justin 🎮 👑 (@YahBoiConfused) April 29, 2025
“Gay marriage is literally at risk of being overturned, trans ppl are losing their rights… and u think being a gay kid in America is easy???”
gay marriage is literally at risk of being overturned, trans ppl are losing their rights, the entire anti lgbtq movement in america is based off of “protecting the kids” and u think being a gay kid in america is easy???
— mattyplatty_ (@mattyplatty_) April 28, 2025
Progress can be reversed. From Supreme Court threats to transphobic legislation, the current political climate shows that safety and acceptance are still fragile. Gen Z queers are growing up in a world of anxiety, even if some battles were already fought.
In conclusion, struggles evolve, but they never fully disappear. Queerness today may look different, but it’s still met with resistance—just in new forms. Rather than gatekeeping trauma or comparing who had it worse, maybe it’s time to build bridges across generations.
So, we want to hear from you, Adam4Adam blog readers: How do you think today’s queer challenges compare to those of the past? And how can we better support one another moving forward? Moreover, does the original tweet have a point, or does it miss the nuance of today’s queer experience? Do you feel supported by older or younger generations within the LGBTQ+ community? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below!
With each passing year since to 80s, it has become easier for Gay guys to be themselves.
Unfortunately, some guys go too far with letting their sexuality be known by throwing it in everyone else’s faces. They feel everyone must know they’re Gay, completely disrespecting those who don’t feel they need to know. Backlash can happen, and these Gays will claim they are victims of discrimination, which would not have happened if they had not forced their sexuality on everyone.
True, some of it, but when asked, I NEVER lie about it. Some people are naturally, just more obviously gay/lesbian, regardless.
I haven’t heard any statistics on the news or read anything about this topic on Google News, newspaper articles, Facebook, Instagram or WhatsApp to really agree with the fact that young, gay individuals have it “easy”? ESPECIALLY WITH THE CURRENT U.S. PRESIDENT (IQ 45.47) DEPRIVING, SLOWLY, BUT, SURELY, LGBTQ+ RIGHTS AND/OR PRIVILEGES TO DO, GO OR BE ANYTHING THAT HETEROS HAVE THE PRIVILEGES OF HAVING! I don’t know how high or unchanged the bullying or suicide level has been recently? Nevertheless, I feel that young, gay individuals remain secretive about their sexual preference and act as if that character trait… Read more »
I would say it’s more acceptable now but not any easier. Young gays coming out are still frowned at and some disowned by family members. They are looked at differently as if they’re from another planet. My neice at 14 was a star player on the high school girls basketball team. Family members were proud and attended all her games. She came out as gay when she turned 16 and some family members refuse to support her.
“We” think that my great-niece is lesbian, like me; she LOVES martial arts (jujitsu) she doesn’t like ANYTHING girly, no make-up, no dresses; at 8yrs old she beat the shit out of a boy who “tried” her, lmao! She’s an A student, so proud of her
You’re aware there are heterosexual tomgirls, right?
I think older generations have NO idea what are the struggles of young people today. We could argue that older people had it easier: they didn’t have the internet and smart phones. They weren’t bombarded with images and videos of people more beautiful than they could ever hope to be with. Their senses weren’t assaulted. Their connections with neighbors were REAL and not contrived or artificial like today. People’s emotions back then weren’t contrived and numb. It’s a very upper-class-Ameri-urban-centric tweet… Prep is EXPENSIVE and lots of people can’t afford it even if they want it…but even still, lack of… Read more »
But look at what the older generations experienced that the younger ones rarely (if ever) will.
& you can also do that non-sexually.
Actually in many cases PrEP is free and if your insurance does not cover, you should talk with your Dr. There are also other similar medications available now, a very low cost or free. Get PrEP Online Free & Delivered to Your Door
Define “easier”.
If you’re talking about not being single, then yes they do have that advantage.
if you live within one of the Blue States, you can live a relatively safe existence; if you don’t, you will struggle. today, everyone knows your business; back-in-the-day, most of us got the benefit-of-the-doubt-unless-you-were-obvious. every generation has its merits and its demerits you learn to find your way regardless of whatever generation
Can we please stop trying to turn everything into a contest of who’s struggling the most or who has it the hardest? It’s fucking exhausting. Every generation has its struggles and every generation their privileges.
Amen!
Today’s young, horny and inexperienced lad now knows definitively how to avoid HIV, which is good. Nothing new about using condoms, but it is good that AIDS is no longer the same danger it was. That idiots are getting syph, and whatever else due to PREP or other excuses is a problem, but sex junkies will always be destructive. What has changed with the rise of hook up apps is the ability to remain anonymous. In the age of digital piracy putting ones face online should be carefully assessed. Letting the little head make decisions that can have long term… Read more »
As always, if you have the looks, you have the opportunities to ruin yourself. Access to sex is greater than ever thanks to all the online media, porn, websites. You can get trashier than ever with very little effort.
And that, is the trap that many get caught up in, they don’t think about their looks that will subside; “trashier” yeah, they passed around, but seldom actually loved and respected, but rather, gave away another piece of themselves.
victimhood olympics
. . . I think those who broke ground, for the freedoms, that we have enjoyed, mostly, for the last 50yrs, had it MUCH harder, like pioneers, actually. As we stand on their shoulders, for what they endured. Anyone, with a conscience has a hard life.