Number of openly LGBTQ+ people in England and Wales revealed in historic first
More than 1.5 million people identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, according to England and Wales’ first-ever sexuality and gender census.
Newly released census data shared by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that 3.2% of the population identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or as another sexual identity that is not straight.
The census, which took place in England and Wales on 21 March 2021, offers a data-driven insight into of the population. The ONS found that 748,000 participants described themselves as gay or lesbian (1.5%), while 624,000 (1.3%) identified as bisexual.
165,000 people said they are a sexuality not listed by the ONS. While 262,000 people (0.5%) said their gender identity was different to their sex registered at birth.
