A compelling trend is making waves among Black Gen Z women: celibacy. Recent findings from BLK, a dating app tailored for the Black community, reveal that a striking 64 percent of Black Gen Z women are currently choosing celibacy. Interestingly, 63 percent of these women have adopted this lifestyle in the last six months alone.
This significant shift highlights a broader movement within the Black Gen Z dating scene, where 43 percent of all Black Gen Z daters report practicing celibacy.
Prominent figures such as 50 Cent, Mya, and Omarion have expressed their support for celibacy, hinting at a deeper cultural shift behind this trend.
Individuals choose celibacy for a variety of reasons. Many embrace it as a means of personal development, while others may find themselves disillusioned by the current dating landscape. The survey indicated that 61 percent of respondents opted for celibacy to concentrate on self-improvement, and an impressive 66 percent reported enhanced emotional wellbeing since adopting this lifestyle.
Additionally, the feedback from participants suggests that regrets are rare. Around 87 percent of respondents felt that celibacy had a positive impact on their dating lives or did not affect them at all.
Jonathan Kirkland, Head of Brand and Marketing at BLK, emphasized that this trend among Black Gen Z singles is more than a mere dating choice—it’s an empowering movement centered around personal growth and emotional health. He stated, “This 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 that’s a powerful statement.”
Monica Cynwar, a licensed clinical social worker at Thriveworks Counseling in Pittsburgh, suggested that the prevalence of celibacy within the Black Gen Z community may be influenced by longstanding cultural attitudes towards sexuality and gender norms. According to Cynwar, this choice can also act as a safeguard against the pervasive hookup culture. She remarked, “It highlights the significance of individual agency, self-awareness, and emotional intimacy in cultivating healthy and gratifying relationships while also challenging traditional dating norms and gender dynamics.”
In the digital dating world, not all institutions are supportive of this movement. Bumble, another popular dating app, faced backlash after releasing a set of billboards that seemed to dismiss women’s choice to be celibate. One billboard boldly stated, “A vow of celibacy is not the answer.”
This messaging drew criticism for seemingly promoting casual encounters and trivializing consent culture. In response to the outrage, Bumble removed the controversial billboards and issued an apology, acknowledging that the phrasing may have inadvertently caused harm. “This was not our intention, and we are in the process of removing it from our marketing campaign and will continue to listen to the feedback from our members,” a Bumble spokesperson confirmed.
As conversations surrounding celibacy continue to gain traction, some women are participating in a movement known as the 4B Movement. Originating in South Korea, this movement consists of heterosexual women who are boycotting dating, marriage, and sexual relationships with men altogether.
“I am done dating. I’m just done. It’s not worth it anymore,” remarked one TikTok user, expressing her frustration after seeing Bumble’s previous billboard.