Gen Z twice as likely to identify as LGBT+

Census data from England and Wales reveals the true picture of sexual orientation for the first time

People aged between 16 and 24 years old are more than twice as likely to identify as LGBT+ compared to the general population, according to new census figures which reveal the true picture of sexual orientation in Britain.

The Census 2021 asked the nation questions about their gender identity and sexual orientation for the first time in 200 years of data gathering. The questions were voluntary and were only asked of people aged 16 and over in England and Wales.

Those aged between 16 and 24, commonly known as Gen Z, were the age group most likely to identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or another minority sexual orientation, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported on Wednesday.