City council leaders want details of the gay population included in the national census.
The Office of National Statistics did not ask for details of people's sexuality when the 2001 census was taken.
Brighton and Hove City Council deputy leader Sue John said: "Rightly, the lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual community is unhappy at this omission.
"Unfortunately, local councils had no say on what questions the census asked."
The city council has drafted an inclusive policy designed to meet some of the concerns of the LGTB community.
It is out for consultation and the final document is expected to be published in March once it has been approved by the council.
The policy will ensure fair services and access to jobs for people from the black and minority ethnic community, older and young people, disabled people, women, people of different faiths as well as the LGTB community.
Coun John said: "The role of councillors and their responsibility to ensure they promote social cohesion within the community will also be explored.
"We need to engage better with those communities."
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