ONS Downgrades Trans Population Data Due to Misinterpretation Concerns

The 2021 census figures for England and Wales are reclassified after findings show language barriers led to inaccurate responses.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has reclassified the 2021 census data on gender identity as 'experimental' due to potential biases.
An investigation revealed that non-English speakers were more likely to misinterpret the gender identity question, leading to inflated trans population estimates.
The original census data suggested that 262,000 people, or 0.55% of the population, identified as transgender in England and Wales.
Local anomalies were found, such as higher than expected trans populations in some London boroughs compared to traditionally LGBTQ+ friendly areas like Brighton.
The ONS plans to publish further explanations and develop better data collection methods to address these issues in future surveys.