Announcements Healthcare Wellbeing

ONS Findings Make It Clear: Urgent Action Needed to Address Stark Health Inequalities for LGBTQ+ Communities

Published: 13 January 2026 by Matthew Belfield

LGBT Foundation welcomes today’s findings from the Office for National Statistics on all-cause and cause-specific deaths by sexual orientation.

While the research does not include trans people, the findings paint a stark picture of what it means to be LGB+ in the UK today. Combined with evidence from LGBT Foundation’s life-saving services and national healthcare initiatives – such as Pride in Practice – this reinforces what we have long known: LGB+ people are disproportionately affected by health and well-being issues that impact quality of life. These include mental health challenges, limited access to preventive healthcare, substance misuse-related deaths, and barriers to treatment for conditions such as cardiovascular and cancer.

Some of the ONS’s headline figures include:

The risk of alcohol related death was almost twice (x1.8) as high for LGB+ people compared to straight/heterosexual people

The risk of drug-related death was almost three times (x2.8) higher for LGB+ people compared with straight/heterosexual people

The proportion of deaths due to suicide were markedly higher for those identifying as LGB+, particularly amongst younger people (16 – 24); 45% of all deaths for those aged 16 to 24 years identifying as LGB+ died by suicide, compared with 27% identifying as straight/heterosexual

Suicide, cirrhosis & other liver disease, and accidental poisoning (drug overdose) are amongst the five most common causes of death for LGB+ people; none of these causes of death are amongst the five leading causes of death for straight/heterosexual people.

This data may be difficult to read, but it is critical that it is used to strengthen the case for investment in policies, preventive measures, awareness campaigns, and services led by and for LGBTQ+ people, including vital mental health and recovery support services by and for LGBTQ+ communities, as well as the national rollout of inclusive healthcare. Much of this is outlined in the three key priorities of our National LGBTQ+ Health Mission and is achievable with the right commitment and resources. These actions will significantly improve the quality of life and ease pressure on an already stretched health service in the UK.

We welcome conversations with organisations and groups across the healthcare landscape who are committed to championing inclusive healthcare, influencing policy, and want to bring our National LGBTQ+ Health Mission to life.

“These findings are a wake-up call. LGB+ people still face huge health inequalities, and that must change. At LGBT Foundation, we’re breaking down barriers and championing inclusive care every day. Hope is here – we’ve seen it through our own work that creates better, safer primary care services, older people’s care, trans healthcare, and improvements across healthcare. With the right funding and partnerships, we can make sure everyone gets the care they deserve.”
Alex Matheson, Director of Inclusion at LGBT Foundation,

“Data like this, utilising the incredible dataset that is the census, provides an important national picture. It’s the blueprint for change, showing us where the gaps are and what needs fixing. National data is the key to progress, and now is the time for LGBTQ+ voices and lived experiences to be seen, heard, and counted on a national level. That’s vital if we’re going to close these gaps and create real equality.”
Tom Montrose-Moss, Head of Insight & Performance