Religion is often a dimension for diversity that doesn’t get much attention in today's polarizing landscape - which makes sense as studies suggest that 34% of Gen Z are religiously unaffiliated. However, although today’s youth has had entirely different religious and social experiences than previous generations did and perhaps express significant skepticism about the societal benefits of religion, organizations, and conversations around traditions and rituals for young people to practice without shame or judgment are becoming more prevalent in culture. With April honoring Diversity Month - a time to recognize and celebrate our unique cultures, backgrounds, and traditions, and a time to celebrate festivals Ramadam, Passover, and Easter, ahead we look at how Gen Z connects with faith in their own way.

TikTok has given rise to a new crop of Jewish personalities creating popular content for the Jewish community (as well as for non-Jews, too). However, although TikTok suggests that it strongly condemns antisemitism, some Jewish creators say speaking about their Judaism on TikTok comes with a price, with comment sections often filled with antisemitic remarks, stereotypes, and slurs. Nevertheless, these new Jewish social celebrities have persevered and continue churning out viral videos, even educating people about Judaism and dispelling myths. Young Jewish TikTokers like @LadyEfron, and @Jewcrazy, a brothers-in-law duo, cynically answer questions from commenters but ultimately educate the public about what it means to be an observant Jew.

— Anrae, 22, VA (Cassandra Collective)

Though the Christian population’s decline in North America has been well documented, and teens are less likely to identify as Christian than their parents, the potency of the community on TikTok feels unique for young creators like Abby Schank — aka @abby_was_bored— who is an indy Christian author and TikToker who “was bored” during the COVID lockdown that impacted so many. She used her free time during the lockdowns as an opportunity to reach thousands of young adults with the Gospel through stories and comedic skits and continues to post from her dorm room, now amassing over 208k followers.

— Janelle, 23, NV (Cassandra Collective)

The Muslim Youth Leadership Council (MyLC) is a group of Muslim-identifying people ages 17-24 from across the country, working locally and nationally as activists, organizers, writers, leaders, and more to promote LGBTQ rights, immigrant rights, and sexual and reproductive health and rights for Muslims. Its campaign #MuslimAnd aims to expand common perceptions of who Muslim people are, highlighting the diversity of young Muslims in America and the existence of LGBTQ Muslims.