SOGIESC data collection in settlement services

About this explainer

This explainer supports settlement services to collect data on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) in a safe, respectful, and practical way when working with refugee and migrant clients. It explains what each data point means, why it matters for service delivery, and how to ask questions in a way that protects dignity and choice. It is essential that these questions become a part of all relevant forms used and are asked of all clients, not only those assumed to be LGBTIQA+ people.

Guiding principles for data collection

Collecting SOGIESC data is essential to make sure that your service understands and can meet the needs of your LGBTIQA+ refugee and migrant clients. It is important that such data collection is underpinned by the following guiding principles. Click on each accordion to explore each principle.

How to collect data on SOGIESC experiences

The information below offers details on how to collect data by each variable (i.e. gender, sexual orientation) as well as how to ask a broader question about one’s LGBTIQA+ status. There is also additional guidance about questions about pronouns and titles.

1. Collecting data about sex

If you ask your client ‘What is your sex?’, the data you collect is only about the legal record sex which was done at the point of birth registration. This may or may not match how the client presents and describes themselves.

2. Collecting data about gender

Asking a question about gender is more preferred as it collects data about how a client describes themselves and lives their lives, regardless of what is listed on their identity documents.

3. Collecting data about gender experience

Asking a question about gender experience gives you information if a client is trans and/or gender diverse.

4. Collecting data about variations in sex characteristics

Asking a question about variations in sex characteristics gives data if a person is intersex.

5. Collecting data about sexual orientation

Asking a question about sexual orientation gives you this information. Every person has sexual orientation.

5. Collecting data about LGBTIQA+ status

Asking a question about LGBTIQA+ status gives you a general response if a client belongs to an LGBTIQA+ community.

6. Asking about pronouns

Additional guidance

For more guidance on the use of inclusive language, explore these resources:

• ACT Government, Inclusive Communication Guide: https://www.act.gov.au/open/inclusive-communication-guide
• Victorian Government, LGBTIQA+ inclusive language guide: https://www.vic.gov.au/inclusive-language-guide
• ABS, Standard for Sex, Gender, Variations of Sex Characteristics and Sexual Orientation Variables: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/standards/standard-sex-gender-variations-sex-characteristics-and-sexual-orientation-variables/latest-release
  • Note that following the decision of the Government to begin collecting data on sexual orientation and gender from 2026 Census, the ABS guidance may be amended to match how these questions are asked in census.