Advocates for Youth is thrilled that the House of Representatives passed the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act (H.R.4176) last week. We urge the Senate to join their colleagues in taking this critical step to ensure that LGBTQI+ people aren’t left in the dark.

Advocates for Youth joined 155 organizations across the country in endorsing the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act, introduced by Representative Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ). Currently, most federal surveys do not collect data on sexual orientation or gender identity. None collect data on intersex traits. 

“The LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act is crucial for the overall quality of life for LGBTQI+ young people and adults. Without data that identifies the needs of our community, we remain invisible in the eyes of life-saving programs. Data not only highlights the inequities that queer and transgender youth experience but they open the door for more inclusive programs to be funded and the development of affirming policies, programs, and curricula to protect us from discrimination. Strengthening data on LGBTQI+ young people is now more important than ever, and by passing this bill, the historic and systemic gaps in resources, policies, and services will close,” said Khouri Lassiter, YouthResource Activist, of Advocates for Youth.

The bill, originally introduced as the LGBTQ Data Inclusion Act, would facilitate the collection of voluntary, self-disclosed demographic data on sexual orientation and gender identity across federal surveys. An amendment in the nature of a substitute added variations in sex characteristics (also known as intersex traits) to the data voluntary collected, changing the bill’s title to the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act. Collecting this information in federally supported surveys is essential to improving the well-being of LGBTQI+ people, across critical areas of life, including youth.

Through LGBTQI+ data advocacy conducted by our All Students Count Coalition, Advocates for Youth will continue to monitor this vital piece of legislation. 

We applaud the House of Representatives for passing this critical bill and strongly urge the Senate to do the same.