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There are varying estimates of the percentage of the Australian population that is transgender. One Nation's Mark Latham claimed that only 0.17% of Australians are transgender, based on the number of people who marked the non-binary sex option on the 2021 Census form. However, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) warns that these census figures cannot be used to draw conclusions about the number of transgender people in Australia. The ABS defines sex as a person's sex characteristics, such as chromosomes, hormones, and reproductive organs, while gender refers to social and cultural differences in identity, expression, and experience as a man, woman, or non-binary person. Other estimates put the percentage of Australians who are transgender at around 1% or higher, with one source stating that about 0.9% of Australians aged 16 years and over are transgender or gender diverse. This figure includes trans men, trans women, and non-binary people. It is important to note that the estimates may vary due to factors such as sample size and age group.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of Australians who are transgender | 0.17% (according to One Nation's Mark Latham) |
| 0.9% (according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics) | |
| Up to 1% (according to The Equality Project) | |
| 1% on average globally (according to Ipsos) | |
| Australians aged 16 years and over who are transgender | 0.9% (according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics) |
| Australians aged 16-24 years who are transgender | 1.8% (according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics) |
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What You'll Learn
The Australian Bureau of Statistics' 2021 census
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) conducts a census every five years to survey the entire country. The 2021 Census included a new question that allowed respondents to select male, female, or non-binary in response to their sex. This addition aimed to improve data collection for the transgender community. However, the ABS has stated that the results of this question "did not yield meaningful data" and cannot be used to determine the number of transgender, gender diverse, or non-binary individuals in Australia.
Mark Latham of One Nation claimed that only 0.17% of Australians are transgender, based on the number of people who selected the non-binary option. However, this assumption contradicts ABS advice and does not account for the complexity of gender identity. The ABS defines sex as based on a person's sex characteristics, such as chromosomes, hormones, and reproductive organs, while gender refers to social and cultural differences in identity, expression, and experience as a man, woman, or non-binary person.
The ABS has acknowledged the need for improved data collection on gender diversity and has released standards for collecting data on sex, gender, variations of sex characteristics, and sexual orientation. Despite these efforts, the 2021 Census did not fully reflect these standards, and the concept of non-binary sex was not consistently understood by respondents.
While the 2021 Census data on sex and gender is limited, it is important to note that health organizations will continue to advocate for funding, programs, and support for the trans community. The ABS also encourages individuals to fill out the census in the most affirming way that feels right for them.
According to the ABS's Estimates and Characteristics of LGBTI+ Populations in Australia, 2022, an estimated 4.5% of Australians aged 16 years and over identify as LGBTI+. Within this group, 0.9% are trans and gender diverse. These estimates are similar to figures from New Zealand's 2023 Census, which found that 4.2% of the total population aged 15 years and over are LGBTIQ+, with 0.6% identifying as trans and gender diverse.
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RMIT ABC Fact Check's 2020 report
As per the RMIT ABC Fact Check 2020 report, there is no official means of calculating the number of transgender people in Australia. The report contradicts One Nation's Mark Latham's Facebook post, which approximates the number of transgender people in Australia using the census respondents who reported their sex as non-binary.
Latham's post states that the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported that the non-binary sex option was marked by 43,220 respondents, or 0.17% of the Australian population, in the 2021 Census. However, the ABS warns against using these census figures to draw conclusions about the number of transgender, gender diverse, and non-binary people in Australia. The bureau clarifies that sex is based on a person's sex characteristics, such as chromosomes, hormones, and reproductive organs, while gender refers to social and cultural differences in identity, expression, and experience as a man, woman, or non-binary person.
The RMIT ABC Fact Check report aligns with the ABS's stance, emphasizing that the census figures cannot be used as a measure of gender diversity, non-binary genders, or trans populations. Instead, it is acknowledged that the number of transgender individuals in Australia remains unknown due to the lack of official data collection methods.
While the exact percentage of the transgender population in Australia is uncertain, estimates exist. For instance, The Equality Project estimates that up to 1% of people in Australia identify as transgender or gender diverse. Similarly, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) estimates that about 0.9% of Australians aged 16 years and over are trans and gender diverse, including trans men, trans women, and non-binary people. This equates to approximately 178,900 individuals.
It is worth noting that these estimates are subject to limitations and errors due to factors such as sample size and non-sampling errors. Furthermore, the ABS highlights that the data is experimental and should be interpreted with caution, emphasizing the associated measures of sampling error.
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LGBTIQ+ Australians in the workplace
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), about 0.9% of Australians aged 16 and above identify as trans and gender diverse. This includes trans men, trans women, and non-binary people. However, it is important to note that these estimates are subject to limitations and errors due to sample size and other factors.
In 2022, One Nation's Mark Latham stated on Facebook that only 0.17% of Australians are transgender, based on the number of census respondents who reported their sex as non-binary. However, the ABS warned against using these census figures to draw conclusions about the transgender, gender diverse, and non-binary populations in Australia. RMIT ABC Fact Check also reported in 2020 that there is no official means of calculating the number of transgender people in the country.
LGBTIQ+ employees in Australia are twice as likely to experience workplace discrimination as their non-LGBTIQ+ colleagues. Federal legislation does not adequately protect workers against discrimination based on sexuality, sex, or gender identity. While queer workers can find some protection under state anti-discrimination laws and industrial relations commissions, a federal law specifically addressing this issue would send a strong message of support to the LGBTIQ+ community.
The Australian Human Rights Commission plays a crucial role in promoting equal rights for LGBTIQ+ individuals in the workplace. The Commission investigates complaints of discrimination or breaches of human rights, including discrimination based on sexual preference in all Australian workplaces. However, it is important to note that the current legislation does not cover people who identify as transgender, transsexual, or intersex.
LGBTIQ+ Australians face various challenges in the workplace. For example, same-sex couples are often denied access to parental leave entitlements. While minimum workplace entitlements include parental leave for male employees whose spouses give birth, there is no guarantee that a lesbian co-mother can take leave to support her partner during childbirth and the postpartum period. The upcoming National Employment Standards are expected to rectify this situation. Additionally, LGBTIQ+ individuals are two and a half times more likely to have been diagnosed with or treated for a mental health condition within the past year.
Creating inclusive workplaces for LGBTIQ+ employees is essential. Organisations like Diversity Council Australia provide resources and promote leading practices to foster environments where LGBTIQ+ employees feel a sense of belonging and can thrive.
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Transgender Australians' mental health
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, about 0.9% of Australians aged 16 and over are transgender and gender diverse. This equates to approximately 178,900 people. However, it is important to note that these estimates are subject to limitations and errors due to factors such as sample size and non-sampling errors.
Transgender Australians face significant barriers to accessing healthcare, including socioeconomic disadvantages and discrimination. A community-based survey aimed to understand the health needs of transgender Australians and found that they experienced a high burden of co-occurring mental health conditions. The survey also revealed that 63% of participants had intentionally self-harmed, and 43% had previously attempted suicide.
Research has shown that transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse Australians consistently report worse mental health than cisgender Australians. They scored eight to 13 points lower than their cisgender counterparts on mental health assessments between 2011 and 2022, with the disparity being even greater for young people under 30. Exposure to anti-trans rhetoric and discrimination has been increasing, and transgender individuals are more likely to experience gender dysphoria, which can lead to psychological distress.
Gender-affirming medical care, such as puberty blockers, hormonal therapy, and surgery, can help improve mental health outcomes for transgender individuals. However, many aspects of this care are not currently funded by the public system in Australia, creating barriers to access. Legal gender affirmation has been associated with lower anxiety, psychological distress, and suicidal ideation.
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Transgender Australians' experience of homelessness
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, about 0.9% of Australians aged 16 and over identify as transgender and gender diverse. This equates to approximately 178,900 people. However, it is important to note that these estimates are subject to limitations and errors due to factors such as sample size and non-sampling errors.
Transgender Australians face unique challenges when it comes to homelessness. Research has shown that transgender individuals are overrepresented among those experiencing homelessness and are more than twice as likely to become homeless compared to the general population. One in five transgender young people in Australia have experienced homelessness at some point in their lives.
There are several factors that contribute to the high rates of homelessness among transgender Australians. One significant factor is family rejection and conflict. Transgender individuals may face family issues and rejection due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, leaving them with no choice but to leave their homes. Additionally, transgender people face discrimination in the housing sector, making it difficult to rent or purchase property. They may also experience financial hardships, age-related constraints, or be subjected to violence and mental health problems, all of which increase their risk of becoming homeless.
Specialist homelessness services (SHS) for the transgender community are limited but available in certain areas, such as New South Wales (NSW). Services like Twenty10 and The Gender Centre in NSW provide crisis or temporary accommodation and can connect individuals with housing services for up to 18 months. Case managers help set goals and provide support with furniture and other essential items. Link2home offers information, assessments, and referrals to homelessness support and accommodation services across NSW. Additionally, Community Housing NSW provides affordable rental housing for individuals with very low to moderate incomes.
While homelessness is a significant issue for transgender Australians, there are organisations working to provide support and prevent homelessness in the community. These organisations offer critical care, tenancy support, financial aid, access to healthcare, and employment and education mentoring to those in need.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, about 0.9% of Australians aged 16 and over are transgender and gender diverse. This includes trans men, trans women, and non-binary people.
The 2021 census reported that the non-binary sex option was marked by 43,220 respondents, or 0.17% of the Australian population. However, the Australian Bureau of Statistics warns that these figures cannot be used as a measure of gender diversity or trans populations.
A majority of Australians support protection from discrimination for transgender people. For instance, 53% agree that transgender people should be allowed to use single-sex facilities that correspond to their gender identity, and 52% agree that government-issued documents should include gender options outside of male and female.
