Estimating the size and composition of the lesbian, gay and bisexual population in Britain. Research Report 37

The University of Kent was commissioned by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (the Commission) in November 2008 to investigate ways of measuring the lesbian, gay and bisexual population (LGB) of Great Britain (GB), for which there is no currently reliable estimate. The absence of reliable population data means that it is impossible to develop representative samples of LGB people in research.

From 2010, the Integrated Household Survey (IHS) will provide the biggest dataset on those people who are willing to identify as LGB in the context of the household. The Scottish government has also indicated that a sexual orientation question will be included in all major social surveys it funds in the future. This project was devised in order to progress thinking in defining an approach or approaches to estimating the size of the LGB population of GB. Achieving a reliable and accurate measure of this population is critical for promoting equality and challenging discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. Comprehensive information about LGB people is required in order to develop appropriate service provision, address inequalities and allocate resources fairly.