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 on this page.
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.
Gender identity estimates from Census 2021 are official statistics in development. This reflects their innovative nature and the evolving understanding of measuring gender identity, along with the uncertainty associated with these estimates. To support appropriate use, please refer to the Sexual orientation and gender identity quality information page before using these estimates.
All other Census 2021 estimates, including those on sexual orientation, are designated as accredited official statistics.
Publications
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 of usual residents aged 16 years and over by local authority district in England and Wales, Census 2021 data.
Gender identity data were removed from census maps when these data were reclassified as official statistics in development.
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.
Sexual orientation and gender identity quality information for Census 2021
Methodology | Updated 8 April 2025
Quality information for sexual orientation and gender identity data from Census 2021 in England and Wales to help users correctly interpret the statistics.
Better understanding the strengths and limitations of gender identity statistics
Blog post | Published 12 November 2024
In this blog post we outline what we are doing to support use of the existing gender identity data and our plans to review the standards for future data collection.
Census 2021 gender identity estimates for England and Wales, additional guidance on uncertainty and appropriate use
Article | Published 26 March 2025
Additional guidance for users on how the gender identity estimates from Census 2021 in England and Wales can best be used, building on the previous research published in November 2023.
More information
Further information on sexual orientation publications can be found on the Sexual orientation theme page.
Further information on gender identity publications can be found on the Gender identity theme page or via the document on this webpage: A summary of data and publications related to gender identity.
Further information on data collection for sexual orientation and gender identity statistics can be found via the Harmonised standards and guidance information on the Analysis Function website
If you have any further questions, please email: census.customer.services@ons.gov.uk.