Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT)
Research from Stonewall puts the figure of the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual (LGB) population between 6–10 per cent. In Rochdale borough, this would translate to an LGB population of between 13,101 and 21,835, according to the 2017 mid-year estimates from the Office for National Statistics.
Gender Identity Research and Education Society estimates that 0.6 per cent–1 per cent of the population may experience gender dysphoria. If we use this estimation for the borough's population the number equates to between 1,310 and 2,183 people who might experience gender dysphoria.
The JSNA approach to inequalities
One of the key components of the JSNA is to identify inequalities in health and wellbeing experienced by different population groups in the local authority area.
We're often reliant on research and studies at a national level in order to identify examples of these inequalities. The findings are then applied to our population structure and added to our own local evidence in order to understand the inequalities present in these populations at a local level.
Health outcomes in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities
Despite substantial social and legal improvements in the UK Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) communities, people continue to face disadvantages and inequality on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity (National Institute of Economic and Social Research, 2016).
There's evidence that LGB people's general health is worse than that of heterosexual people. Research evidence around transgender people is comparatively lacking.
Evidence for worse health outcomes in LGB people includes a higher incidence of mental health problems, substance misuse including alcohol, smoking and drugs linked to sexual practices and sexual health. They're also more likely to experience discrimination in society and to experience dissatisfaction with the health services they do interact with.
Statistics on lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities
- Office for National Statistics - Subnational sexual identity statistics - an analysis of sexual identity in the UK by sex, region and age group, sourced from the Annual Population Survey.
Guidance and information on lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities
- Transforming outcomes - A review of the needs and assets of the trans community - this report brings together evidence and data from population and community studies to establish a picture of the health needs of trans people and their experiences accessing health services.
- Evidence review of inequality among LGBT groups - a report by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research to identify and critically discuss the nature, robustness and strength of evidence on disadvantage and inequality among different LGBT groups, relative to other comparator groups in the UK.
- Stonewall - Research - this page contains Stonewall's latest research into LGBT people's experiences of discrimination and public attitudes towards LGBT equality. It includes reports on domestic abuse, asylum seekers, hate crime, health needs and attitudes towards LGBT people.