For the first time, the census will ask your sexual orientation. My new study shows why it matters |
When Australians complete the census on August 11, they’ll face a new question that’s been a long time coming.
For the first time, people aged 16 and over will be asked about their sexual orientation – whether they identify as straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, asexual or use another term.
The information the census collects shapes billions of dollars in public spending, influences how health services are provided, and determines which populations governments can see – and which they cannot.
My new research, which has been peer-reviewed and accepted for publication in the American Journal of Public Health, is a reminder of what’s at stake when parts of the population go uncounted.
I found Australians in same-sex relationships are more likely to die prematurely, including by suicide.
But the change to this year’s census means for the first time, researchers will be able to examine how people’s health differs by sexual orientation across the whole population, not just in those living with a same-sex partner.
What is the new question?
The new census question will ask:
How does the person describe their sexual orientation?
How does the person describe their sexual orientation?
You can answer straight, gay or lesbian, bisexual , use your own term, or select “don’t know” or “prefer not to answer”. The question is optional and only for people aged 16 and over.
The wording was developed through extensive public consultation and testing, including with an LGBTIQ expert advisory committee. It reflects many years of work by community organisations, researchers and........