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Every answer will build a better picture of LGBTQ+ people and communities.
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The 2026 Census has some important changes that will deliver the most comprehensive national data ever collected about LGBTQ+ people in Australia:
- A new question asking about sexual orientation
- A new question asking about gender
- An update to the previous question on sex to now ask ‘sex recorded at birth’.
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These updates are significant as the Census is one of Australia’s most important sources of population data. Governments, researchers, health services and community organisations use Census information to understand communities, identify needs and make decisions about policy, funding and services.
This page answers common questions about what has changed, why it matters and where to find support and official information.
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Why does the Census matter for LGBTQ+ people?
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The Census is Australia's most comprehensive source of population data. Governments, researchers, service providers and community organisations use Census information to understand communities, identify needs, and make decisions about policy, funding and services.
The 2026 Census is an important opportunity to build the strongest evidence base Australia has ever had about LGBTQ+ people. For the first time, national Census data will be available on sexual orientation alongside improved data on gender, helping create a more complete picture of LGBTQ+ people.
The new questions will help build a clearer picture of Australia’s LGBTQ+ population and support planning for health and community services.
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What's new in the 2026 Census?
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The 2026 Census has some important changes that will deliver the most comprehensive national data ever collected about LGBTQ+ people in Australia:
- A new question asking about sexual orientation
- A new question asking about gender
- An update to the previous question on sex to now ask ‘sex recorded at birth’.
Together, these questions will provide the most comprehensive Census information ever collected about sexual orientation and gender diversity in Australia.
The new questions have been included in the Census following extensive public consultation, engagement and testing. This included working with the LGBTIQ+ Expert Advisory Committee for the 2026 Census.
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Why should I participate?
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Your participation builds a more accurate picture of LGBTQ+ communities in Australia. The information you provide will helps decision-makers understand community needs and supports better policy, services, funding, research and advocacy.
Stronger data creates the evidence needed to make better decisions and support stronger investment in our health, safety and wellbeing.
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Are the questions inclusive of all LGBTIQ+ people?
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While the new questions are a significant improvement, LHA knows that there are significant gaps, including:
- The absence of a question on innate variations of sex characteristics.
- The age-limitations of the new questions on sexual orientation and gender to people 16 years and over.
LHA continues to work with the government and the ABS so that the 2031 Census rectifies these disparities.
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Why does the Census ask about sex recorded at birth?
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A question on sex has been included in every Australian Census since 1911. In 2026, that question has been updated to ask about sex recorded at birth alongside the new gender question.
Responses to the two questions will be used to produce information on gender diversity to improve how trans and gender diverse people are reflected in national data.
Having gender diversity reflected within the national data set is important to inform policy and services which better meet the needs of TGD people. This will help to address current health disparities impacting TGD people.
Some trans and gender diverse people may feel distressed or invalidated by being asked about their sex recorded at birth. Some may find this question intrusive, or not relevant. The ABS recommends selecting the ‘Another term’ response if you are uncomfortable answering this question.
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What about a question on innate variations of sex characteristics?
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The 2026 Census does not include a dedicated question about innate variations of sex characteristics.
All Australian’s are legally required to complete the Census. If you are uncomfortable answering the question on sex recorded at birth, the ABS recommends selecting the ‘Another term’ response.
LHA continues to work with the government and the ABS so that the 2031 Census rectifies these disparities.
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Why are the questions only for people aged 16 years and over?
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The Commonwealth Government has determined that the sexual orientation and gender questions will be asked of people aged 16 years and over.
As a result, many younger LGBTQ+ people will not be represented through these questions.
LHA continues to work with the government and the ABS so that the 2031 Census rectifies this disparity.
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Is my information confidential?
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Many LGBTQ+ people have questions about privacy when completing the Census.
The ABS has strict legal obligations to protect Census information, which is used to produce population statistics rather than identify individuals. For official information about privacy, confidentiality and data protection, visit the ABS Census privacy page.
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I'm not "out" to everyone in my household. What should I do?
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Many LGBTQ+ people have questions about privacy, safety and completing the Census within family, shared living or supported living environments.
Your safety and wellbeing always comes first. Contact qlife.org.au for anonymous and affirming peer support.
If needed, a person can fill in a separate Census form to keep their answers private from others in the household.
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Will the Census improve health services?
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The Census is Australia's most comprehensive source of population data. Governments, researchers, service providers and community organisations use Census information to understand communities, identify needs, and make decisions about policy, funding and services.
Data from the Census is used at all three levels of government (local, state and Commonwealth) to inform decision-making on health policy, planning, funding and services.
This process can take time. Initial data from the 2026 Census will be released in June 2027.
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LHA has worked alongside many organisations, researchers and community advocates for many years to improve the way LGBTQ+ populations are represented in Australia's national data, including in the Census.
LHA and the broader sector have worked in close partnership with the ABS to develop the new questions through the 2026 Census LGBTIQ+ Expert Advisory Group.
LHA will use the data collected from the Census to continue our work in advocating for better health outcomes for LGBTQ+ people.
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Where can I find official Census information?
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For official information about:
- privacy and confidentiality
- information for LGBTQ+ communities
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Need support?
If thinking about or completing the Census raises concerns or difficult feelings, support is available. QLife provides free, anonymous and affirming peer support for LGBTQ+ people across Australia.
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