Scotland's Census update event - August 2019

Sex question – version 1

How do I answer this question?

If you are transgender the answer you give can be different from what is on your birth certificate. You don’t need a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC).

If you are non-binary or you are not sure how to answer, you could use the sex registered on your official documents, such as your passport or driving licence. The next question is a question about trans status and history. You can respond as non-binary in this question.

I am answering for someone else. How do I answer?

If you’re answering for someone else, where possible you should ask them how they want to answer. If they’re away, select the answer you think they would choose. You don’t need to know or ask whether they have a Gender Recognition Certificate(GRC).

Why is this question asked?

The sex question provides vital information for organisations on national and local population statistics, and for long term analysis, as it has been asked since 1801. This question is also used for equality monitoring.

Sex question – version 2

How do I answer this question?

The answer you provide should be the same as your birth certificate. If you have a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) you may record your recognised legal sex.

The next question is a question about trans status and history. You can respond as non-binary in this question.

I am answering for someone else. How do I answer?

If you’re answering for someone else, where possible you should ask them how they would answer. If they’re away, select the answer you think they would choose.

Why is this question asked?

The sex question provides vital information for organisations on national and local population statistics, and for long term analysis, as it has been asked since 1801.

This question is also used for equality monitoring.

Trans status question

How do I answer this question?

This question is voluntary. You do not have to answer it if you do not wish to.
Trans is a term to describe people whose gender is not the same as the sex they were registered at birth.

If your gender is the same as the sex you were registered at birth and you do not consider yourself to be trans or have a trans history, tick ‘No’.

If you consider yourself to be trans or have a trans history, tick ‘Yes’ and you can write in the term you use to describe your trans status.

Who should answer this question?

This question should be answered by people aged 16 and over.

I am answering for someone else. How do I answer?

If you’re answering on behalf of someone else, where possible you should ask them how they would answer. If they’re away, and you do not know how they would respond, please do not answer this question.

Why is this question asked?

As there is no data on the size and location of the trans population in Scotland, your answer to this question allows providers to plan and design services. It is also used for equality monitoring.

Sexual orientation question

How do I answer this question?

This question is voluntary. You do not have to answer it if you do not wish to.

Select only one response.

You may choose from the following options:
Straight or Heterosexual
Gay or Lesbian
Bisexual

If your answer is not listed, you can choose ‘Other sexual orientation’ and enter your answer, for example, asexual, pansexual or questioning.

I am answering for someone else. How do I answer?

If you’re answering on behalf of someone else, where possible you should ask them how they would answer. If they’re away, and you do not know how they would respond, please do not answer this question.

Who should answer this question?

This question should be answered by people aged 16 and over.

Why is this question asked?

A person’s sexual orientation affects the services they require and your answer to this question allows providers to plan and design services based on the data
collected. It is also used for equality monitoring.