The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has expressed confidence in the national figures for the trans population in the UK, as revealed by the 2021 census. This comes after a thorough investigation into the data, which initially raised questions due to unexpected patterns in areas with significant ethnic minority populations, where English is often a second language.
Challenges in Data Collection and Interpretation
The ONS acknowledges the possibility that some respondents might not have fully grasped the intended meaning of questions about gender identity, particularly those with lower English language skills. Despite this, the overall national figures are believed to be reliable. The census, for the first time, included voluntary questions on gender and sexuality, uncovering that about 0.5% of the population reported a gender identity different from their sex assigned at birth.
Advocacy Groups’ Concerns and Government Scrutiny
Advocacy groups have suggested that the figures might be an underestimation, as some individuals might have been hesitant to disclose their gender identity on an official document. This concern led to women and equalities minister Kemi Badenoch ordering an investigation into the accuracy of the transgender population figures, emphasizing the need for clarity in language and understanding around terms like ‘transgender’ and ‘gender identity’.
The ONS’s Approach to Stakeholder Engagement and Data Interpretation
Jen Woolford, the ONS’s director of population statistics, stated that while some local patterns might suggest misunderstandings, the national estimates remain credible. The ONS has consulted with stakeholders who use the data, acknowledging that there are uncertainties, particularly at a more detailed level. They have released additional information to aid in the interpretation of the data, emphasizing that these should not be used to create alternative estimates of the trans population.
Looking Forward: Filling Evidence Gaps and Updating Statistics
The ONS emphasizes that any preconceptions about the transgender population’s variance across different sub-groups were based on limited evidence, an evidence gap that the inclusion of the gender identity question in the census aimed to fill. The organization plans to continue developing these statistics as part of their ongoing efforts to enhance population and migration statistics, informed by recent public consultations. Additionally, the ONS recently updated figures related to the pansexual population, demonstrating their commitment to providing accurate and comprehensive data on the LGBTQ+ community in England and Wales.