Here’s what the 2021 census says about LGBTQ+ Britons
More than 3% of people in England and Wales are LGBTQ+, according to the first official national census to include questions about sexuality and gender identity.
Britain conducts a compulsory census of the entire population aged 16 years and over once every 10 years. The questions about sexual orientation and gender identity in the latest 2021 census were voluntary, and 7.5% of people declined to disclose their sexual orientation, while 6% did not answer the question on gender identity.
Scotland’s data is not yet available as it delayed carrying out its census for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. LGBTQ+ campaigners – who have long called for questions about sexual and gender identity to be included in the census – said the results would help better target support for minority groups.
Here’s what you need to know: About 1.5 million people in England and Wales said they identified as either lesbian, gay, bisexual or another minority sexual orientation – 3.2% of the adult population.
