2.1. Eurostat equality and non-discrimination statistics task force:
A focus on SOGIESC and measures of discrimination
Eugenia de Rosa, Seconded National Expert in Equality and Non-Discrimination Statistics at Eurostat, European Commission
The session was started by a presentation on the work of Eurostat equality and non-discrimination statistics task force (TF EQUAL) by Eugenia de Rosa, Seconded National Expert in Equality and Non-Discrimination Statistics at Eurostat, European Commission. The presentation focused on the work of Eurostat's Equality and Non-Discrimination Statistics Task Force (TF EQUAL). Initially, an overview of EU policy and legal frameworks in this area was provided. This was followed by a discussion on the primary tasks of the task force, which was established in December 2023 with the main aim to enhance equality and discrimination statistics across the European Union.
TF EQUAL focuses on groups at risk of discrimination and experience of discrimination – considering the six protected characteristics (sex, age, disability, ethnic or racial origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, extended to encompass all SOGIESC dimensions) and their intersectional dimension - within various areas of life or domains (such as employment, education, housing, healthcare, access to public services, social security, and safety, as highlighted in key EU anti-discrimination legislation and policies).
Eurostat provided an overview of the current status of SOGIESC data at the EU level. In terms of gender identity, expression, variations of sex characteristics, and sexual orientation, there is a lack of harmonized operational definitions and standards, both within the European Statistical System or internationally. However, some initiatives, like those by UNECE, the Subgroup on Equality Data, and Statistics Ireland, are underway. A similar situation exists for discrimination data, although the UN Praia Group's core questionnaire is available. Further data sources include FRA, which conducts targeted surveys of groups at risk of discrimination, along with EIGE, Eurofound, Eurobarometer, and the European Social Survey, providing additional statistics on discrimination, prejudices, stereotypes, and attitudes.
Eurostat currently lacks data on the size of the LGBTIQ+ population and the overall prevalence of discrimination categorized by groups, reasons for discrimination, and life domains. Nonetheless, there are efforts to collect data on self-reported experiences of discrimination in specific domains. Various modules have already been incorporated into EU surveys, such as discrimination at work in the EU-LFS (2021), encountering hostile or degrading online messages in the EU-ICT survey (2023), discrimination in access to services in the EU-SILC (2024). In addition, the next edition of EU-GBV will feature optional questions on gender-based hate speech.
At national level, some National Statistical Institutes (NSIs) conduct population discrimination surveys including reasons of discrimination related to sexual orientation and gender identity and/or self-identification questions on sexual orientation and gender identity. There are a few cases of LGBTIQ+ dedicated surveys which provide an in-depth analysis linking outcome indicators with self-reported experiences, violence, prejudices, stereotypes, and social attitudes.
To gain deeper insights into NSIs practices across the EU, TF EQUAL mapped and analysed current measurement practices covering sex, gender identity, and related concepts during 2024–2025. Findings indicate that gender identity has been included in national surveys in 9 out of 20 member states, sexual orientation in 9 out of 20, and experiences of discrimination in 12 out of 20. Different measures and indicators have been used.
To gain deeper insights into the practices of National Statistical Institutes (NSIs) across the EU, Task Force EQUAL conducted a mapping and analysis of current measurement practices related to sex, gender identity, and discrimination during the period of 2024–2025. The findings reveal that gender identity has been incorporated into national surveys in 9 out of 20 member states, while sexual orientation is included in 9 out of 20, and experiences of discrimination are reported in 12 out of 20. These studies utilize a variety of measures and indicators. Two main measurement approaches for measuring experience of discrimination have been mainly used: By an umbrella question (e.g., ‘have you ever been discriminated against?’) or via situation or incident-based approach (more factual), often used for harassment, violence, bullyism, and hate speech.
Although not exhaustive, these findings offer critical insights into the current landscape and serve as a foundation for future harmonization efforts. Ongoing consultations between the TF EQUAL and NSIs and civil society organizations focus on recommendations for creating more harmonised and inclusive measurement methods and reference questions addressing currently underserved or partially covered aspects in social statistics, such as gender identity, sexual orientation, and discrimination experiences.
These recommendations will also address methodological aspects, including sampling and estimation techniques, strategies to maximize response rates and minimize measurement errors, active engagement with civil society organizations, community involvement, and addressing main user needs in alignment with the EU-LGBTIQ+ strategy. Bridging data gaps necessitates collaboration with other statistical producers, further methodological work, pilot studies, and voluntary data collection initiatives.
2.2. LGBTI-related reporting in Finland
Marjut Pietiläinen, Senior Researcher, Statistics Finland
In Finland, the information on sex is obtained from the Population Information System maintained by the Digital and Population Data Services Agency. Only male or female can be entered as gender in the Population Information System. The gender entry can be changed upon application (Act on Legal Recognition of Gender 295/2023). In 2024, almost a thousand (987) applications for gender confirmation were submitted to the Digital and Population Data Services Agency, and more than 700 positive decisions were made.
Registered partnership became possible in 2002. After the Equal Marriage Act entered into force on 1 March 2017, new registered couples could no longer be formed. In 2024, there were 9,356 persons living in a registered partnership or a marriage of a same-sex couple (living in a same dwelling).
The common children of rainbow families became visible in statistics when adoption within the family became possible in a registered partnership in September 2009. Between 2009 and 2023, a total of 1,262 children were adopted into families with same-sex parents within the family. The Maternity Act, which entered into force in 2019, made it possible to confirm maternity without adoption within the family. As a result, inter-family adoptions in families of same-sex married couples and registered couples have decreased.
Legislation has had a major impact on the availability of data and the visibility of the LGBTI+ population in statistics. However, a lot remains hidden.
Population statistics that include information on LGBTI+ population are population structure, marital status, changes in marital status, families, and adoptions. However, information is mainly limited to those who have formalized their relationship, and their families. No information is available on gender identity, sexual orientation, or gender expression.