Shocking data reveals sexual minorities face shorter lifespans—here’s what the numbers show

DCM Editorial Summary: This story has been independently rewritten and summarised for DCM readers to highlight key developments relevant to the region. Original reporting by The Conversation, click this post to read the original article.

New data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has, for the first time, revealed that people in the UK who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or other sexual minority orientations are more likely to die earlier and at higher rates than their heterosexual peers. This analysis is based on a new linkage between voluntary sexual orientation data from the 2021 census and national death registrations between March 2021 and November 2024. Covering nearly 29 million adults with NHS identification numbers, the report provides the most comprehensive picture to date of mortality differences based on sexual orientation.

As someone interested in population health or social issues, you’ll find that the report shows a significant disparity: LGB+ individuals were 30% more likely to die from any cause during the study period than people who identified as straight. When age is taken into account, there were 982.8 deaths per 100,000 people among the LGB+ population, compared to 752.6 per 100,000 among heterosexual people. Notably, this analysis covered nearly 28.7 million people, following a high response rate to the sexual orientation question in the census.

Heart disease emerged as the leading cause of death, even among younger LGB+ individuals, with the average age in this group being just 35.6 years compared to 48.6 among their heterosexual counterparts. This is concerning, as the condition is more commonly associated with older adults. For LGB+ women, the leading cause of death was intentional self-harm, with heart disease ranking second. These figures build on past ONS data that showed much higher rates of suicide and self-harm in the LGB+ population.

The data doesn’t explain why these health disparities exist, but broader studies suggest that factors like smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure—which are more prevalent in sexual minority populations—may contribute. Minority stress from discrimination, stigma and social isolation likely plays a major role, increasing risks related to both mental and physical health through chronic stress and unhealthy coping behaviors over time.

Perhaps most alarming is the toll on young people. Among LGB+ individuals aged 16 to 24, suicide accounted for nearly half of all deaths—much higher than the 26.6% seen among their heterosexual peers. These numbers highlight the ongoing burden faced by sexual minority youth and point to preventable social conditions. If you’re thinking about building a more inclusive world, these findings underline the urgent need for safer, more supportive environments where everyone can thrive.