The UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) published the results of the first large-scale analysis of its kind, which confirmed the grim suspicion held by many human rights advocates: People who identify as LGBT+ have a life expectancy that is, on average, one year shorter than that of their heterosexual peers.
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What do the numbers say?
According to data based on the 2021 census and death registrations in England and Wales, the gap in life expectancy (calculated from age 20) is as follows:
Men: For members of the LGBT+ community, this figure was 59.4 years (after turning 20), whereas for heterosexuals— 60.7 years. The difference is 1.2 years.
Women: The gap is slightly smaller, but still noticeable — 63 years old for LGBT+ against 64 years old for heterosexual women (a difference of 0.9 years).
When looking at specific groups, life expectancy for gay men was 59.3 years, and for bisexual men, 59.6 years. For lesbians and bisexual women, the figures were 62.8 and 62.9 years, respectively.
What is the real reason?
It is important to understand that sexual orientation in and of itself is not a biological risk factor. As Laya Becares, a professor of social sciences and public health at King’s College London, notes, "A risk factor is how members of sexual minorities are treated in society".
Researchers emphasize that the gap in life expectancy is due to social factors:
- Discrimination and Isolation: Constant stress caused by social rejection directly affects one's health.
- Destructive habits: Experiences of facing prejudice often lead to smoking and drug use.
- Causes of death: A previous ONS analysis showed that LGBT+ people are more likely to die from suicide, alcohol-related illnesses, and drug overdoses.
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What Do the Statistics Leave Out?
Unfortunately, this report is considered “experimental” and has its limitations. For example, due to “uncertainty in the responses,” the ONS was unable to include data on gender identity (transgender and non-binary people) in this analysis, which leaves out one of the most vulnerable segments of the community.
Nevertheless, this report is an important step toward recognizing that Equal rights are not just a political issue; they are a matter of life and death.. When society stops stigmatizing difference, this “lost year” will finally be restored to those from whom stress and injustice have taken it away.
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