IT IS 'wonderful' to see more people coming out as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, a charity has said.

Breakout Youth, an independent charity based in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, offers a confidential support service for young people aged 11 to 25, who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning or unsure of their sexuality or gender identity.

As previously reported, 2.8 per cent of those aged 16 and over have identified themself as LGB+ in Basingstoke and Deane. 

This is compared to 10.7 per cent in Brighton and Hove, the highest-ranking authority on the list, and the second - the City of London - with 10.3 per cent.

In nearby Southampton 4.9 per cent of residents identified themselves as LGB+.

The figures were published by the Office for National Statistics following last year's census.

READ MORE: Census 2021: People identifying as LGB+ in Basingstoke and Deane

The data shows the proportion of people aged 16 and over identifying as LGB+ (gay or lesbian, bisexual or other sexual orientation) at the 2021 census, broken down by local authority area. 

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While the Basingstoke figure is lower than these cities, the news that the census now gives an option for people to identify themselves has been welcomed by the charity. 

A spokesperson said: "The additional option in the 2021 census to state your sexuality and gender identity has been seen by many in the community as a really positive addition and change to the census, and these questions have given some interesting insight into LGBTQIA+ numbers across the UK. 

"It is wonderful to see more people coming out as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, and the census gives people more options to represent themselves in this way. Here at Breakout Youth, we can't wait to see how the percentages change over time!

"It is worth remembering that this is an especially nuanced topic. Young people may feel like they are unable to answer the census truthfully if they're not out to their parents/guardians.

"On the positive side, studies like this one can be reassuring to those who aren't able to be open and safe as it shows that the community is out there.

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"As part of this community, we work to offer a space where young people can explore their identity and make connections with others.

"Relevant to this discussion would be the groups we run in Basingstoke and Andover, but we also run groups across Hampshire, Southampton, and the Isle of Wight. There is also a virtual group for those who, for whatever reason, are not able to attend in-person groups."

For more information on the support the charity provides, visit breakoutyouth.org.uk.