How the Worldwide LGBTQIA+ Population Index was calculated

Historically, countries worldwide have avoided using sexuality or gender identity-related questions as part of the censuses or electoral rolls. Without the question sets, people from the LGBTQIA+ community cannot be identified and included in official statistics. Though some countries are slowly beginning to include the relevant questions on forms, only a handful of countries encourage community members to be identified and counted in population statistics.

Even with tailored questions relating to the LGBTQIA+ community, there are other barriers, some generational, in which some older community members still find it hard to be open about their gender or sexuality on official polls and censuses. Also, there are concerns about sharing personal information about their gender or sexual identity in countries that are only starting to become more inclusive. Given the stigma that still exists and the fact that a change in government or a shift in popular opinion could instantly change things for them, making them targets for being honest about who they are.

Without any official statistics, non-profit organisations, pollsters, and those who analyse trends and movements have predicted that in some countries, such as the USA, the number of people who identify as LGBTQIA+ could be as high as 15% of the total population. In countries where the government is hostile towards the community, many will likely hide their sexuality or gender identity for fear of being targeted and persecuted. The LGBTQIA+ estimates used within the population index are based on various articles, research papers, and studies worldwide over the past twenty-plus years. The LGBTQIA+ population estimates are at a country level, enabling population trends and statistics for individual countries, regions and sub-regions.

Based on the average from various published reports, a conservative estimate is that approximately 2.6% of the world’s population identifies as LGBTQIA+. From a community perspective, it is difficult to further break down those estimates at a micro-level relating to individual groups; however, the population index is based on:

• Lesbian & Gay – 1.3444%
• Bisexual – 1.2889%
• Transgender – 0.0060%
• Total – 2.6393%

Understanding, even as an estimation, the size of the global LGBTQIA+ community is essential. It reinforces that people who identify as LGBTQIA+ live within every country worldwide, are from every race and religious denomination, and are all part of the society of the countries they live within. Further validating that they have no choice about who they are often puts them at significant risk to their personal safety. Identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or any of the groups with non-traditional gender and sexual identities is not a choice but an acceptance of who they are.

LGBTQIA+ and straight people are not different; they all want the same things. To receive their fundamental human rights, to receive an education, to have access to healthcare, to receive a fair wage, and, of course, to love whomever they wish. Countries across the globe are changing. Hopefully, we will have a worldwide census that accurately counts the number of LGBTQIA+ people living worldwide one day. In a world where people can be honest and be counted without fear of persecution.