Originally published by The Center for Community Solutions
The article highlights the importance of Pride Month and addresses the critical issue of the "data desert," referring to the lack of LGBTQ+ representation in local, state, and federal data. This invisibility hampers advocacy, policy development, and funding for LGBTQ+ needs. Historical and ongoing discrimination contribute to the reluctance of LGBTQ+ individuals to disclose their identities, exacerbating the data gap.
Efforts to combat this issue include the Census Bureau's decision to collect sexual orientation and gender identity data, which will provide valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Findings from the Household Pulse Survey during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed significant disparities in economic and mental health outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals compared to their straight counterparts.
The article specifically acknowledges the impact of the LGBTQ+ Community Needs Assessment in Cleveland, supported by Community Solutions. This assessment prioritizes safe and trustworthy data collection, ensuring the voices of LGBTQ+ individuals are heard and their needs addressed. The work in Cleveland serves as a model for addressing the data desert and highlights the importance of comprehensive data in advocating for and supporting the LGBTQ+ community.