Life expectancy of LGB+ people a year lower than that of heterosexuals, ONS finds

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 2 min read 100% complete by Priya BharadiaFebruary 3, 2026 at 08:13 PM

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A recent Office for National Statistics (ONS) analysis in England and Wales reveals that the life expectancy for LGB+ individuals is approximately one year lower than that of heterosexual individuals. The study, using data from the 2021 census and death registrations, found that life expectancy for LGB+ men was 1.2 years lower, and for LGB+ women, 0.9 years lower. Experts suggest this difference may be linked to societal factors, such as discrimination and exclusion, which can lead to increased stress and unhealthy behaviors. The ONS emphasizes that this is experimental data and that sexual orientation may not be the direct cause of the difference in life expectancy, but rather a contributing factor. The analysis did not include gender identity due to data uncertainties.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

King's College London 40% 2021 census ×250% Greg Ceely 60% Laia Becares ×260% England ×270% Wales ×270% Office for National Statistics ×590%

Keywords

life expectancy 100% lgb+ people 90% sexual orientation 80% health disparities 70% office for national statistics 60% discrimination 50% mortality 40% england and wales 40%