New research from the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) has found that same-sex attracted people living in England and Wales have elevated mortality rates compared to their heterosexual peers – and the numbers for young people killing themselves are particularly shocking.
ONS researchers took data from the 2021 census, which asked people over fifteen about their sexual orientation for the first time.
They then compared the census data to death registrations that occurred between March 2021 and November 2024.
Using this methodology, they were able to find that those who had self-identified as gay, lesbian, bisexual or “other” had 1.3 times the risk of dying compared to their heterosexual peers.
Causes of death
Heart disease was the leading cause of death for all people in the UK, accounting for 10.7% of deaths for heterosexuals, but 11.9% of gay men, lesbians and bisexuals.
However, the second most common cause of death for same-sex attracted people in the UK was suicide, accounting for 7.1% of those deaths.
In comparison, suicide was not even in the top five causes of death for heterosexuals.
Younger same-sex attracted people in England and Wales were nearly twice as likely to take their own lives compared to their heterosexual peers.
Suicide was the cause of death for 45.3% of same-sex attracted people aged 16 to 24 and 29.6% of same-sex attracted people aged 25 to 34.
In comparison, only 26.6% of deaths for 16 to 24-year-old heterosexuals were due to suicide, while only 18.4 percent of deaths for 25 to 34-year old heterosexuals were due to them taking their own lives.
Drugs and alcohol are also leading causes
The study also found that same-sex attracted people living in England and Wales had worse outcomes when it came to deaths from drugs and alcohol.
Gay, lesbian and bisexual people were 2.8 times more likely to die from drugs than heterosexuals and 1.8 times more likely to die from alcohol related causes.
Alcohol related deaths were highest in people aged 55 to 64, while those aged 45 to 54 had the most deaths attributed to drug use.
Gay and bisexual men were more likely to die from alcohol abuse than other groups, while lesbian and bisexual women were more likely to die from drug abuse than other groups.
If this story has raised concerns for you, please contact:
• QLife on 1800 184 527
• 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732
• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
• Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
• Headspace on 1800 650 890
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