Next year’s UK census will be the first to include questions about sexual orientation and gender identity after government reforms to national survey. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), additional questions have been added to the census and options tor gender identity have been expanded. Participants will be asked if the gender they identify with the same as their ‘sex registered at birth’ which is the first time the survey has acknowledged the trans and gender non-conforming community.
Iain Bell, the ONS deputy national statistician, told the Observer next year’s census is ‘more important’ than ever and will help the government create more LGBTQ+ inclusive policies. He continued: “Without robust data on the size of the LGBTQ+ population at a national and local level, decision-makers are operating in a vacuum, unaware of the extent and nature of disadvantage which LGBTQ+ people may be experiencing in terms of health, educational outcomes, employment and housing.”
Nancy Kelley, chief executive of LGBTQ+ organisation Stonewall, expressed her support for the move, saying “we’re really pleased the government will be asking voluntary questions on sexual orientation and gender identity in the 2021 census… Gathering data on LGBTQ+ communities in the UK is a vital step towards building a society where LGBTQ+ people are truly accepted, everywhere and by everyone.”
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