First-time release of population data concerning LGBTIQ+ community in Australia has been published. Historic release of population data on LGBTIQ+ Australians.

In a historic move, the government has recently released statistics regarding the LGBTIQ+ community in Australia for the very first time. This comes after a long battle to ensure that queer, trans, and non-binary individuals are included in the 2026 Census. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has now shared experimental estimates of the country's LGBTIQ+ population.

According to the fresh data, there are over 900,000 LGBTIQ+ individuals aged 16 and over in Australia, making up about 4.5% of the adult population. This is a significant number and sheds light on the diverse makeup of our society. It was also found that the highest concentration of LGBTIQ+ individuals falls within the 16-24 age group, accounting for almost 10% of the community. On the other hand, those aged 75 and above are the least likely to identify as a part of this group.

Out of the estimated 900,000 Australians who identify as part of the LGBTIQ+ community, almost 1% are trans men, trans women, or non-binary. Additionally, about 0.3% of Australians reported being born with variations of sex characteristics. The data also revealed that queer Australians are more likely to reside in Victoria, while Western Australia has the smallest population compared to those who identify as heterosexual.

The ABS collected this data from approximately 45,000 Australians who responded to health surveys between 2020 and 2022. This is a significant step towards understanding and acknowledging the LGBTIQ+ population in Australia. It marks the first time that the ABS has released official statistics on the country's gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and intersex communities.

The upcoming 2026 Census will include questions about gender and sexual orientation for Australians aged 16 and above. This will offer a more comprehensive picture of the country's diverse population. The ABS stated that this will provide more detailed data by geography and population characteristics for LGB+ and trans and gender diverse populations in Australia.

LGBTIQ+ advocates have been urging the government to include questions about sexuality in the 2026 Census. In August, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles stated that it was not on the agenda. However, leaders in the community stressed the importance of having data about gender diversity and sexuality for health planning and government funding.

In September, Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed that the next Census would include questions about sexuality for Australians aged 16 and above. This is a significant step towards inclusivity and understanding of the LGBTIQ+ community in Australia. To stay updated on the latest breaking news, sport, politics, and weather, download the 9News app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

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