Recent statistics suggest that Britons who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB+) have a lifespan that is shorter than that of those who identify as heterosexual.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) utilized data from the 2021 census and linked it to death registrations to assess life expectancy variations based on sexual orientation. The findings reveal that a 20-year-old man identifying as LGB+ in England and Wales is expected to live, on average, another 59.4 years.
In comparison, the same-aged heterosexual man is projected to live an additional 60.7 years, which is over a year longer than his LGB+ counterpart.
Women identifying as LGB+ also show a lower life expectancy relative to their heterosexual peers. A 20-year-old LGB+ woman can anticipate living approximately 63.0 more years, whereas a heterosexual woman is expected to live for 64.0 years.
This report marks the first occasion that the ONS has provided estimates of life expectancy based on sexual orientation.
The analysis incorporated responses from the 2021 census, which featured a voluntary question on sexual orientation for individuals aged 16 years and older. Since only those above 16 were surveyed, life expectancy estimates begin from age 20.
According to the ONS, these findings are drawn from extensive sample sizes and exhibit consistent patterns across all age groups as well as previous studies.
However, the ONS clarified that it cannot determine from this data if sexual orientation is a direct factor contributing to reduced life expectancy.
The data also indicates that life expectancy for those identifying as gay or lesbian is projected at an additional 59.3 years for men and 62.8 years for women, both lower than the corresponding durations for heterosexuals (60.7 and 64.0 years, respectively).
For individuals identifying as bisexual, life expectancy estimates stand at 59.6 years for men and 62.9 years for women, again below those who identify as heterosexual.
Greg Ceely, the head of population life events at the ONS, stated, 'This is the first time we have examined life expectancy differences based on sexual orientation. It is evident that individuals who identify as gay or lesbian have a shorter life expectancy when compared to heterosexual individuals. Life expectancy is influenced by a variety of factors, so it is not possible to conclude whether sexual orientation is the main cause of the observed difference.'
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