LGBTIQ+ Groups Celebrate First-Ever National Population Estimates from ABS

Community groups across Australia are celebrating the release of the first-ever national estimates of LGBTIQ+ populations, marking a significant milestone for both visibility and advocacy. The data, unveiled by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), reveals that around 4.5 per cent of Australians aged 16 and over identify as LGBTI+, which equates to more than 900,000 people. Among younger Australians, aged 16 to 24, nearly 10 per cent identify as part of the LGBTIQ+ community.

For the first time, the ABS was able to gather this data through a large-scale effort, drawing from four different household surveys that collectively involved almost 45,000 respondents. The data shows that approximately 3.6 per cent of the population identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or use a different term to describe their sexual orientation. Around 1 per cent of Australians, or roughly 178,900 people, identify as trans or gender diverse. Additionally, 0.3 per cent of the population – around 60,000 people – report being born with variations in sex characteristics, often referred to as intersex.

Equality Australia’s CEO, Anna Brown, expressed her pride in the data’s release, noting that until now, a significant portion of the population had been “hidden” from national statistics. “Our communities deserve to be counted and to feel seen,” she said. “This data will help decision-makers understand how many LGBTIQ+ people there are and where they live. Whether in regional, rural, metro or remote areas, LGBTIQ+ Australians are part of every community, and this knowledge will help local councils and service providers better meet our needs.”

Brown also emphasised the importance of these findings in advocating for LGBTIQ+ rights, dignity, and wellbeing. She added that the results highlighted the wide geographic distribution of LGBTIQ+ people across the country, further underscoring the need for a more comprehensive and accurate representation of Australia’s diverse population, particularly for the 2026 Census.

For trans advocate Teddy Cook, who helped review the ABS survey, the data confirms what has long been understood within the LGBTIQ+ community. “Australia is home to a significant population of trans adults, living across every state and territory, in both metropolitan and regional areas,” Cook said. “Trans women, non-binary people, trans men – we are your neighbours, colleagues, and family members. We thrive when we are seen and belong.”

Cook also pointed to the increasing willingness of younger generations to be open about their identities, noting that this is a positive step forward. “We are finally seeing the impact that the AIDS crisis has had on our communities, especially gay men, and this data brings that history into focus.”

Morgan Carpenter, Executive Director of InterAction for Health and Human Rights, also welcomed the ABS’s efforts to engage with the intersex community. He acknowledged the challenges in gathering accurate data for people born with variations in sex characteristics, but praised the survey as an important first step. “The misconceptions about intersex and its links to gender and sexuality, along with the legacies of clinical secrecy, make this a complex issue,” he said. “While this data doesn’t give a full picture of the intersex population, it’s a crucial starting point for future research and inclusion.”

The release of these population estimates also has important implications for churches and progressive Christians across Australia. As faith communities increasingly recognise the need for inclusivity and acceptance, these figures provide a clearer understanding of the size and distribution of the LGBTIQ+ population. For many progressive Christians, this data reinforces the call for churches to embrace LGBTIQ+ people, ensuring they are seen, valued, and supported in all aspects of life. The new figures highlight the diversity of LGBTIQ+ Australians, including those who may live in rural or regional areas, prompting churches to consider how they can better reach out and create spaces of belonging for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. For churches committed to social justice, this data offers a critical opportunity to reflect on their role in advocating for the rights, dignity, and well-being of LGBTIQ+ individuals, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate faith community.