This variable records each person’s gender. Gender relates to a person’s social or cultural identity as a man, woman, or non-binary person. A person’s gender may change over time and may not be the same as their sex recorded at birth.
Non-binary is an umbrella term describing gender identities that are not exclusively male or female.
This image shows a question from the 2026 Census online form. This question asks: What is Person 1’s gender?
Underneath the question text, the instructional text states: This question refers to how Person 1 currently identifies or expresses their gender, which may be different to sex at birth.
Underneath the instructional text, is a clickable More Information header. Once clicked, the More Information is shown, and states: This question is only asked for people aged 16 years and older. Data from this question will help plan health and social programs and services.
The response options are: Man; Woman; Non-binary; Person 1 uses another term (specify), followed by a free text field; Prefer not to answer.
How this variable is created
This variable is based on responses to the gender question on the Census form. Respondents are instructed to select only one response option. Responses are captured automatically from mark boxes. The question also includes a free text field. Write-in responses are generally coded automatically using a classification index developed in consultation with LGBTQ+ community members. Manual coding processes are used where automatic coding cannot be applied.
