Census 2021 was the first census of England and Wales to produce data and analysis on sexual orientation and gender identity. The analysis articles published on these topics are shown below. As these topics are not included in the Create a Custom Dataset tool, this page also includes a link to the flexible pre-built multivariate datasets for sexual orientation and gender identity. The articles also have their own specific datasets.
Particular care must be taken in interpreting census results on sexual orientation and gender identity. Please read the sexual orientation and gender identity quality information for Census 2021 when reviewing the analysis and before using the data. Further information about investigations into the quality of census data from the gender identity question can be found in the article Quality of Census 2021 gender identity data, linked below.
Publications in 2023
Gender identity, England and Wales: Census 2021
Statistical bulletin | Published 6 January 2023
The gender identity of usual residents aged 16 years and over in England and Wales, Census 2021 data.
Sexual orientation, England and Wales: Census 2021
Statistical bulletin | Published 6 January 2023
The sexual orientation of usual residents aged 16 years and over in England and Wales, Census 2021 data
Census maps
Published 6 January 2023
Interactive maps where you can view the sexual orientation or gender identity of usual residents aged 16 years and over by local authority district in England and Wales, Census 2021 data
Sexual orientation: age and sex, England and Wales: Census 2021
Article | Published 25 January 2023
Sexual orientation by age and sex of usual residents aged 16 years and over in England and Wales, Census 2021 data.
Gender identity: age and sex, England and Wales: Census 2021
Article | Published 25 January 2023
Gender identity by age and sex of usual residents aged 16 years and over in England and Wales, Census 2021 data.
Sexual orientation and gender identity data combining multiple variables, England and Wales: Census 2021
Data | Published 4 April 2023
Flexible datasets where you can choose and change the area type and coverage of Census 2021 sexual orientation and gender identity data.
Sexual orientation, further personal characteristics, England and Wales: Census 2021
Article | Published 1 November 2023
Exploring the disability, health status, ethnic group, religion and employment of people of different sexual orientations from Census 2021 in England and Wales.
Quality of Census 2021 gender identity data
Article | Published 8 November 2023
A summary of investigations into the quality of census data from the gender identity question and further planned research into this topic.
Forthcoming publications
Plans for any UK / GB outputs are to be determined.
More information
To find out more about our Census 2021 analysis plans or to provide feedback, email us at census.customer.services@ons.gov.uk.