For the first time, census data has revealed that more than 1.3 million people in England and Wales identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, BBC News UK reports.
More over 1.5% of individuals (16 and older) identify as homosexual or lesbian, and 624,000 (1.3%) are bisexual.
165,000 persons declare themselves to have “other” sexual orientations.
Additionally, 262,000 persons (or 0.5% of the population) reported their gender identity differed from the sex they were born as.
This is the first time questions about sexual orientation and gender identity have been included in a census.
The census, which was conducted in England and Wales on March 21, 2021, provides a demographic overview. About 59.6 million people live in England and Wales as a whole.
Prior to its release, the government said that the data will help fight prejudice and improve choices about social services, education, work, and housing for lesbian, gay, and bisexual persons.
Meanwhile, it was optional to complete this portion of the census.
With 10.7% of its population identifying as “LGB+,” or lesbian, gay, bisexual, or of any other non-heterosexual sexual orientation, Brighton and Hove was the local authority with the highest percentage.
Other municipal governments that made the top 10 included seven from London.
Cardiff was the local authority in Wales with the highest percentage of LGB+ citizens (5.3%).
