Sexual orientation is an umbrella term covering sexual identity, attraction, and behaviour.
Across England and Wales, 89.4% of those aged 16 and over identified as straight or heterosexual (43.4million people), 3.2% identified as gay, lesbian, bisexual or other sexual orientation (1.5million people), and 7.5% did not answer (3.6million people).
| Age - Females | Straight or heterosexual | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Other (LGB+) | Not answered | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aged 16 to 24 years | 38,250 | 6,420 | 5,425 | 50,095 |
| Aged 25 to 34 years | 42,440 | 4,340 | 3,855 | 50,635 |
| Aged 35 to 44 years | 34,295 | 1,695 | 3,235 | 39,225 |
| Aged 45 to 54 years | 26,775 | 950 | 2,225 | 29,950 |
| Aged 55 to 64 years | 21,580 | 575 | 1,860 | 24,015 |
| Aged 65 to 74 years | 13,680 | 175 | 1,265 | 15,120 |
| Aged 75 years and over | 11,345 | 40 | 1,390 | 12,775 |
| Manchester total | 188,365 | 14,195 | 19,255 | 221,815 |
| Age - Males | Straight or heterosexual | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Other (LGB+) | Not answered | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aged 16 to 24 years | 38,840 | 3,485 | 5,185 | 47,510 |
| Aged 25 to 34 years | 41,130 | 4,870 | 3,945 | 49,945 |
| Aged 35 to 44 years | 32,340 | 3,185 | 3,080 | 38,605 |
| Aged 45 to 54 years | 27,025 | 1,920 | 2,540 | 31,485 |
| Aged 55 to 64 years | 21,235 | 1,075 | 2,015 | 24,325 |
| Aged 65 to 74 years | 13,580 | 375 | 1,225 | 15,180 |
| Aged 75 years and over | 8,060 | 115 | 920 | 9,095 |
| Manchester total | 182,210 | 15,025 | 18,910 | 216,145 |