Number of Young LGB People on the Rise in the UK
New data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that more young people than ever are identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB), marking a significant shift in societal visibility and acceptance.
A Growing and Changing Community
The Annual Population Survey statistics show that among those aged 16 to 24, approximately 1 in 10 (10.4%) identified as LGB in 2023, a sharp rise from 4.4% in 2018.
Overall, an estimated 3.8% of the UK’s population aged 16 and over now identifies as LGB, up from 2.2% just five years ago.
This equates to an estimated 2.1 million people in the UK identifying as LGB. The data suggests a broader societal shift, with younger generations feeling more comfortable and confident in expressing their sexual orientation.
At the same time, the overall proportion of people identifying as heterosexual or straight has slightly declined, from 94.6% in 2018 to 93.6% in 2023. A small proportion answered “other” (0.7%) or “don’t know/refused” (1.8%) when asked this question.
One of the most notable trends is the increase in people identifying as bisexual. Among those aged 16 to 24, the proportion has more than doubled, from 2.8% in 2018 to 7.5% in 2023.
The data also highlights differences between genders: men were more likely to identify as gay or lesbian (2.8%) than women (1.2%), while women were more likely to identify as bisexual (2.2%) compared to men (1.5%).
(The ONS did not clarify why the survey data did not include transgender and gender-diverse identities.)
London Leads the Way
Regionally, London has the highest proportion of people identifying as LGB, at 5.2%, reinforcing the capital’s reputation as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly places in the UK.
The ONS attributes these changes to a combination of factors, stating: “The increase in LGB responses may be attributed to more people being more open to identifying their own sexual orientation as being LGB, together with changing societal attitudes meaning a greater acceptance of different sexual orientations.”
A Call for Inclusion and Equality
UK LGBTQ rights organisation Stonewall responded to the findings, emphasising the importance of ensuring inclusion and equality for this growing demographic. Simon Blake, CEO of Stonewall, said:
“The ONS statistics… are a timely reminder that lesbian, gay and bisexual people are a growing part of UK society, with more LGB young people than ever before. The more than one in ten of 16-24 year olds identifying as LGB will be a crucial part of our workplaces, politics and lives. They will have colleagues, friends and families who support them, and they will deserve – and demand – equal rights and opportunities.”
Blake also warned against the rollback of LGBTQ rights, saying: “This data should be a wake-up call to organisations and governments who are rolling back on their commitments to LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion.
“With these changing demographics, regressive policies and ideals won’t stand the test of time, and those who want to ensure a more secure and prosperous future must stand firm in their commitment to equality and inclusion for all, despite the politics of the moment,” Blake added.
As more young people come out and openly identify as LGBTQ, the need for inclusive policies, comprehensive legal protections, and supportive communities becomes even more urgent. This shift is not just a statistic—it’s a clear indication of a new, more open generation shaping the future.
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