Abstract:
There is increasing demand internationally for better-quality information on people with a non-heterosexual orientation. Information requirements include both basic demographic characteristics as well as evidence of disparities in outcomes or differences in needs compared to the general population. The availability and therefore collection of such data are essential if social policies are to be responsive to all groups protected under the Human Rights Act 1993, and if the impact of interventions targeted at sexual orientation minorities is to be properly evaluated. In light of ongoing difficulties obtaining accurate data on basic demographic variables for this population, we consider whether the census can provide accurate geographic micro-clustering data on homosexual males by comparing census data with a nation-wide survey of homosexual men. Place of residence information was targeted due to the importance of this variable in guiding future survey sampling and the provision of social and health services. The geographic micro-clustering profile of homosexual men in both data sets was congruent, and considerably different to the general male population: 12–13% of the national population of homosexual men resided in an inner-city Auckland area compared to 1.3% of all males aged over 15.
