LGBT+ people facing "significant" health inequalities

This article was featured in the SCDC Weekly - 1st July 2026

Published by Glasgow Centre for Population Health, this new report sets out the "significant health inequalities" LGBT+ people face in Scotland, based on analysis of the latest census data.

The 2022 Scottish Census saw questions around sexual orientation and trans status / history asked for the first time. Approximately 4.4% of adults identified as LGB+ and 0.47% reported a trans status or history.

Issues relating to mental health were a particular concern, with gay and lesbian people reporting mental health conditions at twice the rate of heterosexual people - and bisexual and “other sexual orientation” groups reporting at rates three times higher.

Self-reported general health outcomes were more mixed and show some LGB+ groups seeing better overall health, likely reflecting the younger age profiles of people who identify as LGB+.

Health inequalities were most stark among transgender people, with rates of mental health conditions ranging from approximately 46% to nearly 60% across trans subgroups, compared to 13% in the cisgender population. 

"LGBT+ history is one of courage, solidarity and progress," GCPH says, "from defining moments like the Stonewall riots to the ongoing pursuit of dignity, visibility and equality today. And yet, while legal protections have advanced, many still experience a gap between equality in principle and equality in health."