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The census tells the story of who we are as a nation, and that includes LGBT people — but only when we participate, and only when we're fully counted. Thanks to the collection of unmarried partner data, a more complete picture of who we are has emerged. For example, we know that:
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Same-sex couples live in 99% of all US Counties.
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LGBT parents live in 97% of all US Counties.
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Black and Latino same-sex couples are raising children at almost the same rates as their heterosexual peers, but on lower incomes ($10,000/yr less).
For the first time in history, the Census will count both unmarried same-sex partners and legally married same-sex spouses in its 2010 survey! This advancement is due in great part to advocacy by the Task Force, and our members and supporters.
Still, there is no question on the 2010 census that asks individuals if they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender — and LGBT questions are not included in almost all other major federal surveys.
It's a big problem. The census, which counts everyone living in the United States every ten years, provides the data that is used to determine funding and policy priorities at the national and state level.
Being counted isn't just a numbers game, but a question of whether the LGBT community gets access to the resources that support our health, economic well-being, safety and families. The LGBT community must be visible — and that means participating in the census, but it also means being counted fully.
That's why the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, together with CREDO Action, has launched Queer the Census. We must ensure that LGBT people are accurately counted in the next census — and we need your help to make it happen. Here's how:
For more details about the Queer the Census campaign, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page, or email Queer the Census Organizer Vanessa Macoy at vmacoy@thetaskforce.org.
Thank you so much for your efforts to help Queer the Census and ensure that everyone is counted!
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