Sexual orientation includes the following concepts:
Sexual orientation refers to how a person describes their sexuality. For example, a person may describe their sexuality as heterosexual, gay, bisexual or pansexual.
This harmonised standard presents guidance on how sexual orientation can be defined, measured and presented in a more consistent manner.
Data on sexual orientation is important to accurately represent the diversity of our population. The definition of sexual orientation is a complex and evolving subject for which there is no universally accepted definition. The terms used to define sexuality are influenced by ongoing social change, making the concept of sexual orientation difficult to define.
Some data collections require information on the sexual orientation of individuals. When collecting data on this topic, the following question is recommended:
Which of the following best describes your sexual orientation?
The standard question on this topic is designed to collect information, for use in majority of surveys or data collections. However, it is not intended to replace questions already in use for specialist surveys where more detailed analysis is required.
The following list of response options represents the basic level of detail that the CSO recommends should be gathered in data collection.
| Standard Response Options and Codes for Sexual Orientation | |
| 10 | Straight or heterosexual |
| 20 | Gay or lesbian |
| 30 | Bisexual |
| 40 | Or please specify |
| 50 | Prefer not to say |
The standard response options and standard reference classification provided are based on recommended categories derived by the Census Advisory Group for the 2024 Census Pilot.
| Description of Standard Response Options of Sexual Orientation | |
| Straight or heterosexual | Persons whose sexual orientation is towards persons of a different sex. |
| Gay or lesbian | Persons whose sexual orientation is towards persons of the same sex. |
| Bisexual | Persons whose sexual orientation is towards persons of the same sex and persons of a different sex. |
| Or please specify | Persons who use a different term for their sexual orientation than those provided. |
| Prefer not to say | Persons who do not wish to state their sexual orientation. |
The standard reference classification for sexual orientation will be constructed based on responses received through the use of the standard question and standard response options. The CSO will explore user requirements in the development of the standard reference classification for sexual orientation. For further clarifications, please consult classifications@cso.ie
| Concept name | Sexual Orientation |
| Variable name | SEXOR_CSO |
| Format type | Character code |
| Guideline Version | 1.0 |
| Guideline Release date | 22 November 2024 |
| Valid to | 22 May 2026 |
| Owner | Central Statistics Office (CSO) Classification Standardisation Team |
| Audience | Policy makers, system developers and producers or users of statistics |
| Contact | classifications@cso.ie |
This data standard will be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure it remains current and aligned with any changes in regulations or best practices. The validation period for this standard is 18 months.
We are always interested in hearing from users so that we can develop our work.