The Lesbian, Gay And Bisexual Population Has Increased Significantly In The UK

A new survey conducted in the United Kingdom reveals that there is a substantial rise in the number of people identifying as lesbian, gay or bisexual (+ 2.2 percent in one year).

This annual survey, last carried out in 2018, estimates that there are 1.2 million people aged 16 or over belonging to the LGBTQ community in the UK. This represents an increase of more than a third in four years and also means that one in 50 people are LGB.

Lesbian, gay and bisexual people accounted for 1.6 percent of the population in 2014, and 2.2 percent in 2018.

Despite rising hate crimes and conflicts over inclusive education, which increased by 25% last year, the good evolution of LGBTQ rights has allowed for growing visibility.

The United Kingdom opened civil unions to same-sex couples in December 2005. England, Wales, and Scotland legalized equal marriage in 2014 and since last February it has also been legal in Northern Ireland.

This has also encouraged people to speak about their sexual identity more openly.

“This is likely because more and more people feel comfortable to be open about who they are,” said Laura Russell, the director of campaigns, strategy, and research at Stonewall.

“But we know these figures still won’t be an entirely accurate representation of the number of lesbian, gay and bi people in the UK.

“If we want to live in a world where everyone is accepted without exception, we need every person who believes in equality to stand up and support their LGBT friends, family and the wider community.”

The survey also shows that men are more likely to talk about their sexual orientation than women. For example, one in 40 men says to be gay or bisexual while one in 50 women says to be lesbian or bisexual. I don’t know what explains this difference.