Comparing the actions of gender-diverse and binary gender youths for an inclusive and green future

This paper addresses an underexplored intersection of youth societal engagement and gender inclusivity. Using a large dataset of young people (15 to 30 years), we could explicitly include in the analysis a small but statistically meaningful number of youths (N= 134) who did not feel they fit into the cultural categories of “women” and “men” (henceforth “gender-diverse people”). The aim of the analysis was to compare self-identified gender-diverse and binary gender young people in actions to change society. The data involved a Spring 2024 survey in the 27 EU countries. Self-identified (potential) gender diversity was dependent on age category and on economic-cultural differences between countries. Data on participation in youth organizations showed that (potentially) gender diverse youths were not much different from the binary genders, but with one notable exception: almost none of them participated in political organizations. Yet, half of them did report actions to change society and in three areas to a higher degree than binary gender persons (inclusive societies, climate change and environmental protection, and wars and conflicts). It is preliminarily concluded that gender-diverse youths can play a valuable role to improve the wellbeing of society if they are allowed to gain visibility and respect.