Almost 1 million Australians are LGBTQIA+ – and for the first time, there’s a new national health plan for them

How Many Australians are LGBTQIA+?

An accurate assessment of the number of LGBTQIA+ people in Australia has long been a critical gap in research due to limited reliable, population-level data. This has meant LGBTQIA+ people, and their health needs, have often not been visible, particularly in outer suburbs and regional or rural areas. Services and supports can be inadequate as a result.

We don’t yet have census data about the LGBTQIA+ population. After years of community advocacy (and controversy over the government’s reversal and reinstatement of the questions) the 2026 census will be the first to ask Australians about their sexual orientation.

But this week the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released its first report on estimates and characteristics of LGBTQIA+ populations in Australia. These data were combined from four recent ABS health surveys.

The new data show 4.5% of Australians are LGBTQIA+. The percentage was higher among younger people – almost one in ten (9.5%) 16- to 24-year-olds, who are also at higher risk of poor mental health outcomes.

Why Do We Need a Dedicated Action Plan?

While LGBTQIA+ people have been included as a priority population in other Australian health strategies, the new action plan is the first focused specifically on them.

The report highlights poorer self-rated health for LGBTQIA+ people as a key concern, as well as mental health and suicide outcomes, when compared to the population as a whole.

One in three (31%) LGBTQIA+ people self-rate their health as only “fair” or “poor” – double the general population (15%). This subjective assessment of health is recognized as a reliable predictor of future health.

What Will the Action Plan Do?

Reducing stigma and discrimination requires changes in organisational culture and processes in health systems.

The National Action Plan acknowledges this requires considered action and investment to improve outcomes over the longer term. It aims to enhance access to inclusive health care and improve health literacy for LGBTQIA+ people.

For example, this will include ensuring LGBTQIA+ people are included in policy development and service planning across a range of health areas. It will also involve health education campaigns for LGBTQIA+ communities to encourage engagement in preventative health care.

Has LGBTQIA+ Health Improved with Law Reform?

LGBTQIA+ people report better health in jurisdictions where they receive greater legal protections and stigma is lower.

In recent decades, Australia has seen significant legal and cultural reforms to ensure recognition and equal rights are afforded to LGBTQIA+ people. However, discrimination and stigma against sexual and gender minorities is far from eradicated. We are currently witnessing a global backlash against LGBTQIA+ rights.

Conclusion

Gains made toward greater equity in health outcomes for LGBTQIA+ people can be undermined or reversed with shifts in political culture or pressure from conservative forces. Australia’s national action plan goes a long way toward protecting and advancing LGBTQIA+ people’s health in a way that is sustainable. However, there is still a long way to go and ongoing political support for the plan will be fundamental to its success.

FAQs

Q: What is the percentage of LGBTQIA+ people in Australia?

A: The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has reported that 4.5% of Australians are LGBTQIA+. The percentage is higher among younger people – almost one in ten (9.5%) 16- to 24-year-olds.

Q: Why is the national action plan important for LGBTQIA+ people?

A: The national action plan is the first focused specifically on the health and wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ people. It aims to reduce stigma and discrimination in health systems and improve health literacy for LGBTQIA+ people.

Q: What are some of the health disparities faced by LGBTQIA+ people?

A: LGBTQIA+ people experience poorer self-rated health, mental health, and suicide outcomes compared to the population as a whole. They are also more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder and have higher rates of self-harm and homelessness.

Q: What can be done to address these health disparities?

A: The national action plan includes a range of strategies to address these disparities, including ensuring LGBTQIA+ people are included in policy development and service planning, providing health education campaigns for LGBTQIA+ communities, and promoting inclusive health care services.