New ABS Data: Over 900,000 Australians are LGBTI+

In a historic move, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released the country’s first experimental estimates of LGBTI+ populations, providing unprecedented insight into the diversity of Australia’s sexual and gender identities.

The data, collected from nearly 45,000 respondents across four recent ABS health surveys, reveals that approximately 4.5% of Australians aged 16 and over identify as LGBTI+. This equates to over 900,000 people, highlighting the significant representation of the community in the broader population.

This equates to combining the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Tasmania.

Linda Fardell, ABS head of health statistics, noted the generational differences within the data.

“Younger Australians are more likely to be LGBTI+. Nearly 10 per cent of Australians aged 16 to 24 years are LGBTI+,” she said.

The estimates show that about 740,000 Australians identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or use a different term to describe their sexual orientation, representing 3.6% of the population. Within this group, one in three are married or in a de facto relationship, reflecting the growing acceptance and legal recognition of same-sex partnerships.

Nearly 1% of Australians identify as trans and gender diverse, including trans men, trans women, and non-binary individuals. This amounts to around 178,900 people who bravely live their authentic lives.

Additionally, about 0.3% of Australians report being born with variations of sex characteristics, totalling approximately 63,300 individuals. This figure underscores the importance of recognizing and supporting the intersex community.

Comparing the Australian data to New Zealand’s 2023 Census, the figures are strikingly similar. Both countries report that 3.6% of their populations identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or use a different term. Around 0.9% of Australians and 0.6% of New Zealanders identify as trans and gender diverse.

Looking ahead, the 2026 Australian Census will include questions on gender and sexual orientation for those aged 16 and over, providing even more detailed data. This will enable a deeper understanding of the LGBTI+ community’s geographic distribution and demographic characteristics.

Ms. Fardell emphasized the significance of these estimates, stating, “The new data shows that about 4.5 per cent of all Australians 16 years and older are LGBTI+; that’s over 900,000 people.”

These groundbreaking estimates mark a significant step forward in recognizing and understanding the LGBTI+ community in Australia.

As the nation continues to evolve, this data will be crucial in shaping policies and services that support and celebrate the diversity of its people.

Last Updated on Dec 19, 2024