Damon Mcknight
Australia is considered one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world, with Sydney being one of the most gay-friendly cities globally. In 2013, a Pew Research poll found that 79% of Australians agreed that homosexuality should be accepted by society. Despite this, there is still work to be done to combat stigma, discrimination, and prejudice against LGBTQ+ communities in Australia. In this regard, Australia recognised same-sex marriage in 2017, and LGBTQ adoption and parenting have been legal nationwide since March 2018. As for the size of the LGBTQ+ population in Australia, estimates vary, with some sources stating that 3.6% of Australians identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or use a different term to describe their sexual orientation, while others state that 9.5% of Australians do not identify as heterosexual.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of LGBTIQ+ population aged 16+ in Australia | 4.5% or 910,600 people |
| Percentage of LGBTIQ+ population aged 15+ in New Zealand | 4.2% |
| Percentage of Australians who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or use a different term to describe their sexual orientation | 3.6% |
| Percentage of Australians who are trans and gender diverse | 0.9% |
| Percentage of Australians who are heterosexual (straight) | 94.9% |
| Percentage of people who did not know their sexual orientation or preferred not to say | 1.5% |
| Percentage of people in same-sex relationships earning $2000 or more a week in 2016 | 23% of men, 14% of women |
| Percentage of people in opposite-sex relationships earning $2000 or more a week in 2016 | 18% of men, 6% of women |
| Percentage of people aged 14 or above who considered homosexuality immoral in 2005 | 35% |
| Percentage of total votes in support of legalising same-sex marriage in 2017 | 61.6% |
| Percentage of Australians who agreed that homosexuality should be accepted by society in 2013 | 79% |
| Percentage of 16-24-year-olds who did not identify as straight in 2024 | 20% |
| Percentage of Australians who do not identify as heterosexual | 9.5% |
| Percentage of 16- to 24-year-olds who do not identify as heterosexual | 18.9% |
| Percentage of LGBTQ people at risk of family violence in 2020 | 12% |
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What You'll Learn
Around 4.5% of Australians identify as LGBTIQ+
Australia is considered one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world. In 2013, a Pew Research poll found that 79% of Australians agreed that homosexuality should be accepted by society, making it the fifth most LGBTQ-friendly country in the survey. Sydney, with its long history of LGBTQ rights activism and an annual three-week-long Mardi Gras festival, is considered one of the most gay-friendly cities globally.
Despite this general acceptance, there is still some anti-LGBTQ sentiment in the country. A 2005 paper by the Australia Institute, titled "Mapping Homophobia in Australia", found that 35% of people aged 14 or above considered homosexuality to be immoral. The study identified the Moreton area of country Queensland, Central and South-West Queensland, and the Burnie/Western district of Tasmania as the most anti-LGBTQ areas, with 50% considering homosexuality to be immoral. In contrast, inner-city Melbourne, central Perth, and central Melbourne were the most LGBTQ-friendly areas, with only 14% to 26% considering homosexuality immoral.
Regarding the size of Australia's LGBTQ population, estimates vary due to the sensitive nature of the topic and the challenges in collecting accurate data. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released estimates indicating that around 4.5% of Australians aged 16 years and over identify as LGBTQ+. This equates to approximately 910,600 people. The proportion of LGBTQ individuals is highest among young Australians and lowest among older adults.
Other sources provide varying estimates for the LGBTQ population in Australia. A 2024 landmark study by Professor Daryl Higgins of Australian Catholic University’s Institute of Child Protection Studies found that 9.5% of Australians do not identify as heterosexual, with this figure rising to 18.9% among 16- to 24-year-olds. Another source references a 2016 estimate, stating that the total sexual minority population aged 18 and over was approximately 651,800 people, with 44% identifying as lesbian or gay, 33% as bisexual, and 23% as other.
It is worth noting that the LGBTQ community in Australia faces various challenges, including higher rates of maltreatment, abuse, and discrimination compared to their heterosexual peers. A 2020 report by Equality Australia revealed that 12% of LGBTQ individuals were at risk of family violence, with higher risks for those under 25, those not "out" to their families, and transgender or gender-diverse individuals. LGBTQ Australians are also more likely to experience workplace discrimination and mental health issues.
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Young Australians are more likely to identify as LGBTIQ+
Australia has an estimated LGBTIQ+ population of 4.5% among those aged 16 and above. This is the first time that the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released estimates of LGBTIQ+ populations, their demographic characteristics, and the breakdown of sexual identities.
The data reveals that young Australians are more likely to identify as LGBTIQ+. The population of LGBTIQ+ individuals is younger compared to the overall Australian population, with close to half (46%) aged between 18 and 34. The figures also show that the proportion of people who identify as LGBTIQ+ is highest among young Australians and lowest among older Australians.
The estimates reflect the responses provided in the surveys, and it is important to note that some individuals may have chosen not to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity due to the sensitivity of the topic. The ABS has acknowledged the limitations of the data, which is not intended to be a population benchmark, and encourages cautious interpretation.
The LGBTIQ+ community in Australia includes individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or use alternative terms to describe their sexual orientation, such as queer or pansexual. The data also includes trans and gender diverse individuals, encompassing trans men, trans women, and non-binary people.
The ABS's estimates provide valuable insights into the LGBTIQ+ community in Australia, and the similar figures between Australia and New Zealand further emphasize the significance of these findings. These estimates are a step towards recognizing and understanding the diversity within Australia's population.
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Same-sex couples in Australia are more likely to have higher incomes
Australia's LGBTIQ+ population is estimated to be around 4.5% of the population aged 16 and over, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This equates to approximately 910,600 people. The proportion of LGBTIQ+ individuals is highest among young Australians and lowest in older age groups.
While there is limited data on the income of same-sex couples in Australia, some studies indicate that same-sex couples may have higher incomes on average. For example, a study examining the sexual minority population in Australia in 2011 and 2016 found that the total sexual minority population aged 18 and over was estimated to be 599,500 in 2011 and 651,800 in 2016. The gay and lesbian population within this group was estimated to be around 286,400 in 2016, with a higher number of gay men than lesbian women.
Furthermore, the study found that the sexual minority population tended to be younger, with close to half (46%) aged 18-34. This younger demographic is more likely to be pursuing education or starting their careers, which could impact their income levels. However, it is important to note that the study did not provide specific income data for same-sex couples.
Another factor to consider is the higher prevalence of mental health diagnoses and treatment within the LGBTIQ+ community. According to statistics, LGBTIQ+ individuals are two and a half times more likely to have been diagnosed or treated for a mental health condition in the past year compared to the general population. This could potentially impact their employment and income prospects.
Overall, while there is a lack of direct evidence, the available data suggests that same-sex couples in Australia may have higher incomes on average, particularly considering the younger demographic of the LGBTIQ+ community and the higher rates of mental health treatment, which could impact their economic opportunities.
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Gay men earn 13% less than straight men
Australia's LGBTIQ+ population is estimated to be around 4.5% of the population aged 16 years and over, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). This equates to around 910,600 people. However, it is important to note that these estimates are based on surveys, and some individuals may not feel comfortable disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity. As such, the actual numbers may vary.
While there is limited data on the gay wage gap specifically in Australia, studies in other countries have found that gay men used to earn less than straight men, but this gap has closed in recent years. In the United States, for example, gay men who are married have a significantly higher median income than heterosexual married men. They also experience lower poverty rates, with 2.7% of married gay male households living in poverty compared to 4.2% of married heterosexual couples.
Some studies have found that individual gay men earn around 10% more than straight men with similar education, experience, and job profiles. This advantage has been attributed to gay men being better entrepreneurs and having higher levels of employee engagement as managers. However, it is important to note that these findings may not directly translate to the Australian context due to cultural, economic, and social differences.
On the other hand, the wage gap between gay and straight women is less favourable for gay women. Gay women make a median of 1.4% more than heterosexual women, but they make 25.6% less than heterosexual men. As a result, lesbian couples are more likely to experience poverty than heterosexual couples due to the gender wage gap.
While the acceptance of LGBTQ+ people in Australian society has grown in recent years, there may still be economic disparities between gay and straight individuals. Further research and data collection are needed to understand the specific situation in Australia and to develop policies that promote wage equality for the LGBTIQ+ community.
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LGBTQ Australians report high rates of maltreatment
Australia's LGBTQ+ population has been estimated at 4.5% of the population aged 16 and over, or around 910,600 people. This figure is based on the first-ever estimates of LGBTI+ Australians published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in 2022. The ABS acknowledges that these figures are not entirely accurate due to the nature of the questions asked and the potential for sensitive responses.
Despite this relatively small percentage, LGBTQ+ Australians report high rates of maltreatment and abuse. A 2024 study found that over three-quarters of LGBTQ+ people in Australia have experienced abuse or maltreatment from parents or other authority figures. This is significantly higher than the rate for heterosexual males. The study also found that queer and gender-diverse people aged 16-24 reported emotional abuse and exposure to domestic abuse as the leading causes of maltreatment. Furthermore, 90.5% of those who identified as gender diverse, including trans people, reported experiencing maltreatment.
These experiences of maltreatment have been linked to systemic discrimination and heteronormative paradigms. The high rates of maltreatment have a significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ Australians. The ABS has recognized that people with lived experiences of mental health concerns are more likely to experience issues with work, relationships, finances, and housing.
The rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) and family of origin violence (FOV) within LGBTQ+ communities in Australia have been documented in prior research. One study found that 43.18% of participants reported experiencing FOV, and 60.7% reported experiencing IPV. Non-binary people, cisgender women, and trans men were the most likely to have experienced FOV, while non-binary people and cisgender women were the most likely to experience IPV.
The impact of maltreatment on the mental health of LGBTQ+ Australians cannot be overstated. The ABS has acknowledged the correlation between child maltreatment and declining mental health, and the community faces significant challenges in addressing these issues.
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Frequently asked questions
An estimated 3.6% of Australians are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or use a different term to describe their sexual orientation. This equates to around 910,600 people or 4.5% of Australians aged 16 and over.
The gay population in Australia is younger compared to the general population, with close to half (46%) aged 18-34. The population aged 65 and over is relatively small, with around 63,900 people in this age group in 2011 and 76,600 in 2016. The proportion of people who are LGBTI+ is highest among young Australians and lowest in older Australians.
Australia is considered one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world. In 2013, 79% of Australians agreed that homosexuality should be accepted by society. In 2015, a study found that 35% of people aged 14 or above considered homosexuality to be immoral, with Queensland and Tasmania having the highest levels of anti-gay sentiment and Victoria the lowest. In 2018, an Ipsos survey found that 71% of Australians thought the country was becoming more tolerant of transgender people. Same-sex marriage was recognised in Australia in 2017, and LGBTQ adoption and parenting are legal nationwide. However, a 2020 report by Equality Australia showed that 12% of LGBTQ people were at risk of family violence, and LGBTQ young people face high rates of harm and discrimination in schools and services.
A 2016 study found that individuals in same-sex relationships were more likely to have higher personal incomes than those in opposite-sex relationships. Women in same-sex relationships were twice as likely to earn $2,000 or more per week compared to women in opposite-sex relationships. However, a 2008 study also found that gay men earn 13% less than their straight counterparts.
