LGBTQ Community Excluded From Data

Despite recent strides there remains a persistent lack of routine data collection on sexual orientation, gender identity & variations in sex characteristics (SOGISC) that hinders efforts to improve the health & well-being of these communities. Our LGBTQ community continues to experience disproportionate rates of economic & housing insecurity as well as health disparities due to high rates of discrimination. A new report released by the Center for American Progress provides a road map for best practices & key considerations for how to incorporate SOGISC data in both general population surveys as well as LGBTQ community-based surveys to better understand this growing portion of the U.S. population. Caroline Medina, Senior Policy Analyst for the LGBTQI+ Research & Communications Project & co-author of the report stated, “A lack of robust data hinders the ability of policymakers, researchers, advocates & service providers to better understand the unique experiences & obstacles LGBTQI+ individuals face. By embracing LGBTQI+-inclusive data collection & making meaningful investments to continue to test, develop & improve these measures, we will gain much more insight into LGBTQI+ experiences & be better equipped to craft evidence-based policies to help meet their needs.” In addition to explaining best practices & key considerations for collecting data on LGBTQ+ populations the report also recommends areas for ongoing research to continue improving SOGISC measures by highlighting priority surveys where agencies should act to add these questions & offers guiding principles for all entities interested in advancing LGBTQ inclusive data collection efforts. Read Report... Also check out the National LGBTQ+ Women's Community Survey that will provide crucial data to inform policy change, service delivery & action to support LGBTQ+ women. Take The Survey…