Collecting Data on Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity (SOGI)

State agencies make many program decisions based upon data that they collect. This means that if certain populations are not accurately represented in data, key services may not be adequately considered, funded, or delivered. This webinar will cover the importance of collecting data that addresses the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) community to ensure that their needs are planned for. Participants will also learn how to create assessments and train staff to collect SOGI data in a culturally humble manner, and gain new ideas to incorporate LGBTQ people in your planning process.

Important statistics regarding the LGBTQ population:

• In a survey of homeless youth organizations, 43% of drop-in center clients were LGBT;
• 27% of LGBT adults experienced at least one time in the last year when they did not have enough money to feed themselves or their families (compared to 17% of non-LGBT adults);
• One study found that 19% of transgender adults were refused a home or apartment, and 11% were evicted because of their gender identity or expression.