Celibacy Gains Momentum as Young Black Singles Seek Emotional Well-Being and Healthier Relationships Amidst Changing Dating Culture
A recent survey conducted by BLK, the leading dating app for Black singles, has uncovered a significant trend among Black Gen Z daters—43% are currently practicing celibacy. Among Black Gen Z women, the number is even higher, with 64% embracing this lifestyle choice. Interestingly, most of these women are new to celibacy, with 63% having adopted it in the past six months.
This shift reflects a growing focus on personal development and mental well-being among young Black daters. The survey found that the top reasons for choosing celibacy include personal growth and self-discovery (61%), as well as frustration with toxic dating culture.
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 there’s a stigma within the Black community.
Cultural Influence: Black Celebrities Leading the Charge
The celibacy movement among Black Gen Z mirrors the choices of prominent Black celebrities like Omarion, Mya, and 50 Cent, who have publicly embraced celibacy. Their openness about prioritizing personal growth and self-care over physical relationships has added legitimacy to this lifestyle choice within the Black community. These cultural icons, admired for their authenticity, are helping destigmatize celibacy, encouraging younger generations to embrace it as a valid and empowering option.
Celibacy and Mental Health: A Positive Impact
Celibacy isn’t just about abstaining from physical intimacy; it’s become a means of emotional and mental self-care for many Gen Z daters. The survey revealed that 66% of respondents reported significant improvements in their mental and emotional well-being since becoming celibate. By focusing on their inner growth and avoiding the stress of toxic dating environments, young Black singles are finding greater peace and clarity.
Contrary to concerns that celibacy might hinder dating success, 87% of those surveyed said it has either positively impacted their dating life or made no difference at all. In fact, many Black Gen Z daters prefer to discuss celibacy early in a relationship, creating transparency and fostering deeper connections.
Navigating Stigma: The Evolving Perception of Celibacy in the Black Community
While celibacy is becoming more accepted among Black Gen Z, with 1 in 3 feeling that it’s gaining acceptance, 43% believe that stigma or misunderstanding still exists within the broader Black community. These individuals are redefining what it means to date and thrive in relationships, challenging outdated societal norms in the process.
Jonathan Kirkland, Head of Brand and Marketing at BLK, highlights this cultural shift: “What we’re seeing with Black Gen Z singles is more than just a dating trend—it’s a movement towards personal empowerment and emotional well-being. 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.”
As more Black Gen Z daters follow this path, celibacy is emerging as a growing cultural trend, not just for dating but as a broader statement about self-worth, mental health, and emotional well-being.
Tera Chantelle, 29
Length of celibacy: 7 years
What prompted your celibacy journey? Taking a purity course when I was in high school with my friends. The power of purity led me to not being interested in the hook up culture that has been so normalized in this modern-day society.
What has been the hardest part about being celibate? Being misunderstood. A lot of people think I’m missing out on something because I don’t have a sex life, but being celibate has allowed me to be more fulfilled. Now I don’t have a limited view when it comes to love, just expecting it to come in the form of romance. I like to operate from a place of self-love, so I vibrate love and receive love on an everyday basis. Unfortunately, I get called odd because I’m always on a high frequency and I’m not vibrating low like a zombie in the culture. I get questions all the time— why am I so happy? why am I always smiling? It’s simply because I have been protecting my sexual energy and pouring it all back into myself.
What has been most rewarding about being celibate? Being untouchable and not being so accessible. It has allowed me to value myself and enhance my self-respect and cherish my temple to such a high degree that I will never lower my standards just for the sake of boredom again. I have found true love within myself and God that I will never take for granted.
Have you dated during your celibacy journey and, if so, what has that experience been like? I don’t date on my celibacy journey because most people simply just want sex; that’s why they’re taking me out on a date anyway. I’m more interested in networking and making genuine friendships because I don’t have to operate from a transactional space in that way.
Have you explored other ways of satisfying your physical/sexual needs during this time? The different ways I satisfy myself are by dancing in the mirror, embracing my sexuality and sensuality and learning the power of seduction by being in my own skin. Also by connecting with nature and journaling, grounding myself outside and being one with Mother Earth.
When do you anticipate ending your period of celibacy, if at all? I don’t anticipate my celibacy journey ending because this is a lifelong commitment for me. I’m not doing this to find my other half or find the right person. I have no secret motives for practicing celibacy. I’m doing this to love myself and to be disciplined with God. I also have no desire for marriage or children so I’m choosing to take a unique pathway for myself which is celibacy.
What would be your word of advice to another woman just beginning her celibacy journey? Give yourself grace. You are breaking a pattern, and you are unlocking a cheat code to living life in this matrix. You will go through different challenges but the best investment you can ever make is in yourself. Celibacy will allow the veil to be lifted so you can discover what love truly means for you. By keeping your sexual energy to yourself you have the ability to create magic and other things that will make up your legacy here on earth. You are now beneficial to Mother Earth. Lastly, when you’re not a slave to your fleshly desires you’re now the controller of your own fate and destiny. Value self-respect over everything.
