The Standard for Sex, Gender, Variations of Sex Characteristics and Sexual Orientation Variables, 2020 ("2020 Standard") has been developed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to standardise the collection and dissemination of data relating to sex, gender, variations of sex characteristics and sexual orientation.
This 2020 Standard replaces the Standard for Sex and Gender Variables, 2016, with updated sex and gender variables, as well as the introduction of variables for variations of sex characteristics and sexual orientation.
This product presents statistical standards for four variables:
- Sex
- Gender
- Variations of sex characteristics
- Sexual orientation.
The 2020 Standard describes the four variables and their associated conceptual issues and definitions. The standard for each variable includes the concept(s), definition(s), questionnaire modules, classification, coding structure, and output categories to be used in ABS interviewer-based and self-enumerated collections. The 2020 Standard also provides guidance on deriving cisgender (cis) and trans and gender diverse (trans) counts using the sex and gender variables.
The four variables included in the 2020 Standard, when cross-classified with other variables, can provide comprehensive data on a particular topic, issue or population group. This information can be used for a range of purposes, including:
- informed decision making and planning
- policy formulation and monitoring
- social, population and economic research and analysis
- program provision and evaluation (e.g. health services).
The 2020 Standard can be used by other government, academic and private sector organisations in their own statistical collections to improve the comparability and quality of data.
In terms of ABS collections, typically ABS household-based surveys would draw upon one or more of the four variables in the 2020 Standard. These surveys have strict time limits to reduce burden on respondents and the cost of collecting the information. Accordingly, the amount of content available for any topic is limited and is tailored to the output requirements and analysis the survey is intended to support. Therefore, each survey may include one or more of these variables on a case by case basis.
Although initially a small number of ABS surveys will include a question for all four variables, and this will grow over time, the key driver for the standard is to ensure that all survey participants can answer the questions in a way that accurately describes their situation. This means respondents can fully participate in the survey, and allows measures to be collected and published where needed. Additionally, given that only a small proportion of the population reports a non-binary sex, most ABS surveys will only output the binary responses to a sex question (Male or Female).
The 2020 Standard was developed through extensive research, consultation and testing. The ABS thanks the Commonwealth and state/territory agencies, academics and non-government organisations, international statistical organisations and public who contributed.
Legislation
This standard was developed to respect the intent of the Australian Government Guidelines on the Recognition of Sex and Gender, November 2015 ('Guidelines') prepared by the Attorney-General's Department, which complements Australian anti-discrimination laws and the Australian Privacy Principles (Privacy Act 1988). The Guidelines provide guidance to Australian Government departments and agencies to ensure that appropriate options are provided to individuals who may identify and be recognised within the community as a gender other than the sex they were assigned at birth or during infancy, or as a gender which is not exclusively male or female. The 2020 Standard has been prepared with the participation of representatives from the Attorney-General's Department, respecting the intent of the Guidelines while acknowledging best practice terminology and language has evolved since 2015.
Confidentiality and Privacy Policy
Confidentiality, statistical and technical issues may arise at various levels of dissemination if a small number of responses are recorded in any of the output categories. Users of the 2020 Standard should consider the privacy of respondents when determining the level of data disaggregation, using confidentiality techniques such as output suppression or combining output categories.
All data collected by the ABS is subject to confidentiality rules where no individual shall be identified and an individual response should not be identifiable. The ABS Privacy Policy outlines how the ABS will handle any personal information that you provide to us.
Contact Information
The Standard for Sex, Gender, Variations of Sex Characteristics and Sexual Orientation Variables, 2020 has been produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Enquiries should be directed to gender.statistics@abs.gov.au.