Census shows 16-24 year olds in England and Wales are twice as likely to identify as LGB+

Census data has shown that 16-24 year olds are twice as likely to identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or another minority sexual orientation (LGB+).

Examination of the 2021 national survey found that one in 14 (6.9 per cent) did not identify as straight – which is twice the average for England and Wales (3.2 per cent).

In Brighton and Hove, which was found to have the highest number of non-straight residents, around one in six 16-24 year olds identified as LGB+.

The census, conducted on March 21, 2021, was the first time participants aged 16 and over were asked about their sexual orientation.

The Office for National Statistics, which publishes its findings in stages, said in a statement: “Local authorities with a relatively high proportion of 16-24 year olds who identified as LGB+ tended to have one or more universities”.

Around 9% of women aged 16-24 were LGB+, the largest group, while the highest proportion of LGB+ men were aged 25-34.

The overall proportion of people who identify as LGB+ falls with each age group up to 75 and over, which is 0.4%. Charity Stonewall says this is due to ingrained homophobic attitudes.

A spokesman added: “People over 70 came of age when homosexuality was criminalized and there was the fear of prison. You can expect this group to be afraid.”

It was followed by Brighton & Hove (15.6%), Norwich (14.8%), Cambridge (14.6%), Lincoln (14.4%) and York (14.3%).

The lowest percentages are for Redbridge in London and Slough in Berkshire (both 2.9 per cent), followed by the London boroughs of Barking & Dagenham (3.1 per cent), Harrow (3.3 per cent) and Enfield (3. 3 percent).

London boroughs have some of the highest proportions of LGB+ for older age groups. Around one in 10 (9.8 per cent) of 35-44 year olds in Lambeth identify as LGB+, with 9.0 per cent in Southwark, 8.2 per cent in Hackney and 8.0 in hundred in Islington.

Only Brighton & Hove (11.1%) has a higher percentage for this age group.

Lambeth is also the only local authority where people aged 35-44 are most likely to identify as LGB+.

London has eight of the top 10 local LGB+ percentages for 45 to 54 and 55 to 64 year olds and nine out of 10 of 65 to 74 year olds.

The only age group where a London borough tops the list is for people aged 75 and over, with Westminster and the City of London having the highest LGB+ percentage (2.4 per cent), followed by Brighton & Hove ( 2.3 percent), Hammersmith. & Fulham (2.2 per cent), Kensington & Chelsea (2.2 per cent) and Camden (2.1 per cent).