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The proportion of young adults in the UK identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) has surged over the past decade, according to newly released data.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal that 10.4 per cent of 16 to 24-year-olds identified as LGB in 2023, marking a significant increase from previous years.

The Annual Population Survey shows that this represents a rise of at least 2.8 per cent since 2018, with the increase largely attributed to more people identifying as bisexual.

In 2023, 7.5 per cent of 16-24-year-olds identified as bisexual, up from 2.8 per cent in 2018. The trend is particularly pronounced among women, with 9.2 per cent identifying as bisexual compared to 5.9 per cent of men.

Despite this, overall LGB identification remains slightly higher among men (4.2 per cent) than women (3.4 per cent). Across all age groups, approximately 2.1 million people—equivalent to 3.8 per cent of the population—identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual in 2023.

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Older age groups were significantly less likely to identify as LGB, with just 0.9 per cent of those aged 65 and over doing so. In comparison, 6.3 per cent of 25-34-year-olds, 2.9 per cent of 35-49-year-olds, and 2.4 per cent of 50-64-year-olds identified as LGB.

Stonewall CEO Simon Blake described the findings as a “timely reminder” that LGB people form an increasingly significant part of UK society.

“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,” he stated. “They will have colleagues, friends, and families who support them, and they will deserve – and demand – equal rights and opportunities.

“This data should be a wake-up call to organisations and governments 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.”

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