For the first time, a census of England and Wales asked people about their sexual orientation and gender identity. These new figures will be vital in helping shape services in years to come.
“Having these first census estimates of the size of population in relation to gender identity as well as sexual orientation at a local level is crucial,” Office for National Statistics (ONS) director Jen Woolford said. “They will ensure decision-makers have the best information so they can better understand the extent and nature of disadvantage which people may be experiencing in terms of educational outcomes, health, employment, and housing.
“This is just the first snapshot. In future analysis we will be exploring sexual orientation and gender identity by key demographic variables, such as age and sex, as well as employment, health, education and ethnicity, among others.”
The Census 2021 results include data about the self-reported sexual orientation of people in England and Wales. This answers questions like:
- how many people chose to answer the question on sexual orientation?
- how does sexual orientation vary across England and Wales?
- what proportion of the population identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual or other minority sexual orientations (LGB+)?
- how many people identified as pansexual, asexual or queer?
The Census 2021 results include data about the gender identity of people in England and Wales. This answers questions like:
- how many people chose to answer the question on gender identity?
- how many people reported that their gender identity was different to their sex registered at birth?
- how does gender identity vary across England and Wales?
- how many people identified as a trans woman, a trans man or non-binary?
You can find out more about sexual orientation and gender identity results for England and Wales on the ONS website.