Only 1.6% of UK adults describe themselves as lesbian, gay or bisexual

The UK only has 1.6% of adults who describe themselves as lesbian, gay or bisexual, according to official figures released on 1 October. Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on sexual orientation for 2014 also revealed nearly 4% of adults said they did not know what their sexual identity was or refused to answer the question, while a further 1.4% didn't answer.

The number of UK adults identifying as lesbian, gay or bisexual remains significantly lower than their counterparts in the United States, with the figure standing at 2%. The data compiled by the US Department of Health and Human Services also revealed only 0.4% of adults said they did not know their sexual identity.

The percentage of UK adults identifying as lesbian, gay or bisexual has not changed since the figures for 2013 were released. However, for the 2014 statistics, 2.6% of 16 to 24 year olds placing themselves in one of these categories, making them the age group with the highest percentage of those coming forward as lesbian, gay or bisexual.

"Young people are now being raised, in the main, in a more accepting and diverse society," Rob McDowall, chair of the LGBT Network, told IBTimes UK. "Our young people are encouraged to look past the confines of the traditional heteronormative society and find themselves."

However, he also noted that not all people who identify themselves as LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) feel like they need to reveal their sexual identity, which could provide explanation for the 4% who did not know the answer and the 1% who said they did not wish to answer the question.

"Some people find comfort in using labels as a means of identifying themselves while others will view sexuality as a more fluid affair," McDowall said. "The ONS statistics show that in a more accepting society, people are more able to identify as LGBT openly. These statistics signal a welcome and positive change in societal attitudes."

In 2013, research conducted by the Pew Research Center revealed 76% of the British population believes homosexuality should be accepted by society, compared with only 60% in the US.