In line with recommendations from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2020) and ACON (2021), Australia’s leading LGBTIQA+ advocacy organisation, the following question formats are recommended. These formats are designed to ensure respect for how individuals see themselves and that participants are not ‘othered’ for not fitting normative categories. The questions also give participants the opportunity to provide the information requested in the survey.

While it is noted that studies may not be explicitly exploring LGBTIQA+ populations, the recommendations below may also be used generally to conduct research in a more sensitive and inclusive manner. Given roughly 5% of the Australian population identifies with a diverse gender identity, and 10% with a diverse sexual orientation, it is highly likely that research samples – particularly quantitative surveys - will include people with a diverse gender identity, or a diverse sexual orientation, or both (Lewis & Reynolds, 2021).

Sex

Sex represents the biological characteristics of the individual. Sex is typically recorded on the individual’s birth certificate and is assigned at birth. When asking about sex, the following question is recommended:

At birth, you were recorded as:

• Male
• Female
• A different term (please specify)
• Prefer not to answer

Questions about sex are relevant when the research is focused on examining biological differences among participants. For instance, when studying health, or the use of contraceptives or hygiene products that are dependent on the sex of the individual.

This question does not capture if a participant was born with intersex variations, and research with people born with a variation of sex characteristics will need to follow the guidelines put forward by Intersex Human Rights Australia.

Gender

Gender is a socially constructed concept that signifies how individuals see and/or present themselves. Individuals may have a gender identity that departs from their sex. For instance, an individual may have been assigned male at birth but identify as a female. The following question is recommended:

How do you describe your gender:

• Man, or male
• Woman, or female
• Non-binary
• I use a different term (please specify):
• Prefer not to answer

When researching gender, it's important to ask questions that allow participants to express their gender identity. An open-ended question can be used, and researchers can categorize the responses during analysis. This is especially relevant in studies about self-presentation, like clothing choices.

To identify transgender participants, researchers can ask about sex and then gender, showing respect for how individuals see themselves. For studies focusing on transgender and gender-diverse populations, using a multiple-response format might be more appropriate.

Questions about gender are relevant when the research explores how individuals see and/or present themselves. For instance, when studying clothing choices, as individuals may use clothing to express their gender, a question inquiring about the gender of the participant would be more relevant.

Sexual orientation

Sexual orientation encapsulates sexual identity, attraction and behaviour. The following question may be used:

How do you describe your sexual orientation?:

• Straight (heterosexual)
• Gay
• Lesbian
• Bisexual
• I use a different term (please specify):
• Don't know
• Prefer not to answer

Questions about sexual orientation are relevant for studies that are explicitly focused on the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or gender expansive, queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual, and two-spirit (LGBTQIA2S+), or those seeking to infer differences based on sexual orientation. For instance, this could include studies on how physical or mental health needs differ.

Questions on sexual orientation may include additional sexual orientations where appropriate. In that case, a multiple response format may be relevant as individuals may identify with multiple sexual orientations.

References

ACON. (2021). Policy & Research. Retrieved 20/06/2022 from https://www.acon.org.au/what-we-are-here-for/policy-research/#recommended-sexuality-and-gender-indicators

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2020). Standard for Sex, Gender, Variations of Sex Characteristics and Sexual Orientation Variables. Retrieved 11/02/2021 from https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/standards/standard-sex-gender-variations-sex-characteristics-and-sexual-orientation-variables/latest-release

Lewis, C., & Reynolds, N. (2021). Considerations for conducting sensitive research with the LGBTQIA+ communities. International Journal of Market Research, 14707853211030488.