2 minutes read2 minutes readThe 2021 Census was held on 10 August in Australia. People were asked to become involved from July to September 2021, with most households receiving mail to complete the Census online. The homeless and those living in remote areas received assistance from Census staff. By 28 September, more than 10 million forms had been completed.
The first release of Census data will emerge in June 2022. The question causing the most debate is about a person´s sexuality and gender.
How has the Census affected the LGBTIQ+ community?
This Census, for the first time, allowed people to choose a non-binary option when responding to the question on their sex. LGBTIQ+ groups have argued the Census should have gone further and made queries about gender and sexuality.
Lecturer and demographer with the Australian National University, Dr Liz Allen, said, “we talk a lot about the Census being like a mirror, it reflects us as a nation, and the very idea that we can´t have something as fundamental as sex or gender reflected, is quite disempowering really”.
What are the issues facing the LGBTIQ+ community?
Many in the LGBTIQ+ community grapple with substantial issues, including grappling with lingering homophobia in society at large, and within friendship groups, families, and the workplace. The community are at higher risk of depression, drug abuse, self-harm, bullying, and discrimination.
Discrimination in the workplace still affects the LGBTIQ+ community, despite this having been made completely illegal across Australia in 2013.
Anna Brown, Chief Executive of Equality Australia commented, “it´s absolutely vital that we collect data on our communities, because otherwise the government can´t plan our programs and services that meet our needs”. She further added, “unless we´re counted, we´re invisible”. Her comments show that without the correct data, LGBTIQ+ peoples’ needs cannot be addressed effectively, especially around sexual health where discrimination and stigma play a consequential role.
Confidential testing for STIs and HIV
If you are part of the LGBTIQ+ community or anyone with concerns about health, then Better2Know is here for you.
If you have any questions about common STIs, HIV, or your overall sexual health, please speak with one of our personal advisors by calling the number at the top of this page.
Better2Know can make you an appointment at a sexual health clinic near you and arrange confidential consultations, appointments and STI testing.
Sources
[1] Abs.gov.au: 2021 Census overview
[2] Theguardian.com: Australia census 2021: the two questions likely to cause the most controversy
[3] Relationshipsnsw.org.au: Issues affecting the LGBTIQ+ community
