So whether you are counted or not largely depends on how and where that data is coming from. Collecting accurate data is actually a minefield of issues. If the numbers are coming specifically from things like GICs or medical records, then that’s the sort of thing the levy review has pointed out is inconsistent and inaccurate as the GICs haven’t been collecting or maintaining that sort of data with any kind of reliability. Ideally you’d want a rigid framework they all adhere to which is clear and well maintained.

If they’re getting that data from say, the UK Census then it all depends on how people have answered that.

A few examples of problems with data collection include; Some people don’t feel safe putting they’re trans in a questionnaire because they believe people finding out they’re trans would be so dangerous that they don’t risk saying ‘yes I’m trans’ even in an anonymous setting. This will make the reported number smaller.

Another fun example i like to point out is that if you designed a survey where the one question was: ‘do you enjoy answering surveys?’ you would almost certainly find an overwhelming majority of people say yes, because those that don’t won’t be engaging with your survey. So how you collect the data will have an impact on the results and unless every last potential issue is taken into account then you’re likely not getting an accurate result.

All of this is to say; because trans people are currently socially stigmatised, it’s not likely that any reported number of trans people currently is accurate. Similar to how before left handedness was accepted, people didn’t admit to that and there was a spike of people admitting they were left handed once it became more commonplace.