and shining a light on areas that are often overlooked – such as how sexual orientation or gender identity interacts with a person’s ability to thrive financially.
That is not to say that all LGBTQ+ people are worse off or face the same issues. It does mean it is important to recognise that, despite all the progress that’s been made for LGBTQ+ equity and inclusion, even today life paths that differ from “the norm” and the impact of discrimination in the past or present all come with a cost.
There is increasing recognition these data models don’t tell the full story and things are changing – for example, the Census asked about gender identity and sexual orientation for the first time in 2021 – but it will take time before the data gap is bridged.Women in same-sex relationships may experienceLack of financial support from disapproving family. But renting or buying a home in one of the big LGBTQ+ communities in Manchester, Brighton or London can cost significantly more than elsewhere.