Three new key reports SOGISC data collection

Check out these two new reports on the state of, and best practices for, collecting data on sexual orientation, gender identity, and variations ins characteristics (SOGISC:)

In March 2022, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine published a landmark report on “Measuring Sex, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation.” Requested by the National Institutes of Health, it summarizes the current science on how to collect data on SOGISC data in surveys and statistical systems, and identifies current recommendations and methods considerations, as well as areas for continuing study to improve these measures.

This month, the Center for American Progress published "Collecting Data About LGBTQI+ and Other Sexual and Gender-Diverse Communities Best Practices and Key Considerations." It builds on the NASEM report, providing a great translation for non-data nerds of the NASEM study as well lays out practical recommendations for where and how to collect this data right now, including in federal surveys.

Also this month, GLSEN published “LGBTQ+ Data Inclusion in K-12 Education Systems.” It also uses the NASEM study as a jumping off point to outline how SOGISC data can be collected to advance equity efforts through school climate surveys, staff and family surveys, and federal surveys and data collections overseen by the Departments of Education and HHS.

Kudos to the NASEM Expert Panel, to CAP authors Caroline Medina and Lindsay Mahowald, and to GLSEN authors Bonnie Washick, Aaron Ridings, and Tessa Juste. I was glad to be one of the passel of experts asked for input in one way or another for all three reports.