The U.S. Census Bureau is considering how to incorporate questions about sexual orientation and gender identity into its surveys, eliciting a range of opinions from health officials, civil rights groups, individuals, and businesses. Overall, there’s substantial support for these additions, albeit with constructive criticism. The proposed questions, targeting individuals aged 15 and above, are set for testing this year. If approved, they would mark the first direct inquiry into these topics on the American Community Survey. Many believe these questions will offer valuable insights into the LGBTQ+ population, especially amidst ongoing debates and legislative actions affecting LGBTQ+ issues.
Critics, like retired demographer Gary Gates, take issue with wording allowing respondents to simply denote themselves as “not gay” for the sexual orientation question, finding it offensive and insufficient. Concerns also arise regarding the evolving language around sexual orientation and gender identity, particularly for younger demographics and non-English speakers. Some lament the absence of categories for individuals with intersex traits, asexuals, or pansexuals, highlighting the need for inclusivity.
Criticism extends to the questioning process itself. Some, like Rene Coig, argue against the separation of sex assigned at birth and current gender, which can alienate transgender individuals. Others, like Amy Leite Bennett, express disappointment with transgender options being segregated from male, female, and nonbinary categories, potentially implying inadequacy.
Current survey questions on the American Community Survey focus solely on same-sex cohabiting couples, missing a significant portion of the LGBTQ+ population. The Household Pulse Survey, while experimental, is another tool but offers limited scope. Concerns are raised about parental awareness of children’s LGBTQ+ identities, particularly given proxy responses common in household surveys.
Privacy considerations loom large, prompting proposals for flash cards in in-person interviews and numbered response categories for those hesitant to disclose information within their households. However, several Republican senators, including Marco Rubio and JD Vance, oppose the inclusion of gender identity questions, citing concerns about politicization and data legitimacy. Conservative groups, like the Rutherford Institute, argue that such inquiries infringe on privacy rights and could make respondents uncomfortable.
Overall, the debate underscores the importance of capturing comprehensive data on sexual orientation and gender identity, balancing inclusivity with privacy and sensitivity concerns amidst evolving societal norms and political landscapes.
