The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has published the England and Wales Census 2021.
The National Census is designed to offer a snapshot of the population, and the Census 2021 is the first to collect information on the sexual orientation and gender identity of residents. Providing information on a person’s sexual orientation and gender identity was voluntary for residents aged 16 years and over in England and Wales.
The questions on sexuality and gender were introduced for equality monitoring and the ONS conducted extensive research to determine the precise wording of the questions. The results provide a greater understanding of the numbers of LGBTQ+ people in England and Wales, needed to support work on policy development and service provision and to allow local authorities to meet anti-discrimination duties under the Equality Act 2010.
Read more about the data and supporting information about sexual orientation and gender identity from Census 2021 in England and Wales here.
