The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today released experimental estimates on LGBTI+ populations in Australia, derived from four recent population-based surveys.
“This analysis responds to the high demand for population level data on LGBTIQ+ communities and is the first of its kind in Australia,” said Nicky Bath, LHA CEO.
“While LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (LHA) welcomes and appreciates the ABS’s continued commitment to improve data about the health and wellbeing needs of Australia’s LGBTIQ+ populations, it is the Census that provides the most detailed data.
“Although the 2026 Census will ask questions for the first time on sexual orientation and gender, the opportunity to capture reliable data on intersex people and the gender of people under 16 years has been missed.
“These ABS estimates are experimental and require caution in their interpretation; nevertheless, these data can provide a helpful guide to health and wellbeing services planning and help target funding where it is most needed to address the enduring disparities in health outcomes experienced by LGBTIQ+ populations.
“LGBTIQ+ people are more likely than the general population to experience poor health outcomes, and these are linked to experiences of continued discrimination, stigma, and exclusion,” Ms Bath said.
The ABS estimates come a week after the launch of Australia’s first National Action Plan for the Health and Wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ People 2025-2035, which calls for improved collection of data on gender, sexual orientation, and variations of sex characteristics.
“The four ABS population-based surveys that underpin this analysis were the first to use the ABS Standard for Sex, Gender, Variations of Sex Characteristics and Sexual Orientation Variables, 2020 (2020 Standard)1. The use of the 2020 Standard in surveys is critical in securing accurate data on Australia’s LGBTIQ+ populations.
“LHA commends the ABS for adopting the 2020 Standard in these surveys. Regular use of questions on sex, gender, and sexual orientation is vital to building confidence and trust among respondents in future national surveys and censuses.
“LHA provided advice to the ABS in developing and interpreting these experimental estimates and is committed to continue working with the ABS to ensure accurate and reliable data on LGBTIQ+ populations,” Ms Bath said.
“Care must be taken that this new data is not reported inaccurately or inappropriately to attack LGBTIQ+ people through the media and public debates,” Ms Bath said.
The ABS Estimates and characteristics of LGBTI+ populations in Australia, 2022, can be found on the ABS website at https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/people-and-communities/estimates-and-characteristics-lgbti-populations-australia/2022.
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