In a groundbreaking report, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has revealed that one in every 20 Australians now identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex or queer (LGBTI+). This marks the first time that nationally representative LGBTI+ population data has been captured in Australia, shedding new light on the growing diversity of the nation.
Generational Differences in LGBTI+ Identification
Perhaps unsurprisingly, younger Australians are leading the charge in LGBTI+ identification. Among those aged 16-24, a substantial 9.5% identified as LGBTI+ – more than double the national average. The 25-34 age bracket followed closely behind at 7.5%.
These findings suggest that as social attitudes continue to evolve, more and more young people are feeling empowered to openly embrace diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. It paints a picture of a future Australia that is increasingly inclusive and accepting of LGBTI+ communities.
Geographic Distribution of LGBTI+ Australians
The ABS data also reveals some intriguing geographic trends in LGBTI+ identification. The Australian Capital Territory topped the nation at 5.9%, followed by Victoria at 5.3% – both significantly higher than the overall national rate of 4.5%.
However, the report makes it clear that LGBTI+ Australians can be found in every corner of the country, from bustling cities to remote rural areas. As Anna Brown from Equality Australia points out, this has important implications for how local governments and service providers cater to the needs of LGBTI+ communities going forward.
“Our communities deserve to be counted and to feel seen. We now know that LGBTIQ+ people live in every part of Australia, in regional, rural, metro and remote areas, and this means local councils, service providers and government agencies will be able to better serve the needs of our communities.”
– Anna Brown, CEO of Equality Australia
LGBTI+ Relationships and Families
The ABS report also offers fascinating insights into the relationship and family structures of LGBTI+ Australians. Notably, one in three people from LGBTI+ communities are married or in a de facto relationship.
As marriage equality only became law in Australia in late 2017, this figure is likely to grow substantially in future years as more same-sex couples tie the knot. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of marriage equality in enabling LGBTI+ people to openly celebrate their love and commitment.
The Political Power of LGBTI+ Voters
With close to a million LGBTI+ voters in Australia, these communities are set to wield significant political influence in the coming years. Rodney Croome from Just.Equal Australia said the ABS findings should be a wake-up call to all political parties ahead of the next federal election.
“It is a reminder to all political parties that they must have policies recognising the human rights of LGBTI+ people and addressing the disadvantages we face in areas such as health, housing, employment, education and public safety. This data will also help foster inclusion and equity in the broader community by reminding non-LGBTI+ Australians that we a substantial part of Australian society and that we make an important contribution to national life.”
– Rodney Croome, Just.Equal Australia
Towards a More Complete Picture in the 2026 Census
While this initial ABS data provides crucial population estimates, LGBTI+ advocates say there is more work to be done to build a comprehensive picture of LGBTI+ communities in Australia. The next frontier is the 2026 Census, which for the first time will include questions on sexual orientation and gender identity for those over 16.
This will enable an even more detailed breakdown of Australia’s LGBTI+ demographics, encompassing factors like geographic location, age, cultural background, socio-economic status, disability and more. Ultimately, it will help build a more complete picture of the rich diversity that makes up modern Australia.
An Australia for All
As Australia heads towards its next census in 2026, one thing is abundantly clear: LGBTI+ people are a vibrant and integral part of the nation’s social fabric. From queer youth boldly embracing their identities to same-sex couples building loving families, their stories and experiences are deeply woven into what it means to be Australian in the 21st century.
With visibility comes power – the power to shape policies, to access appropriate services, and to build a society that truly reflects and celebrates the diversity of all its people. In a nation as vast and varied as Australia, that is surely something worth counting.
