The first-ever Federal Evidence Agenda on LGBTQI+ Equity will expand thorough and accurate sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data collection across federal agencies.
Washington, D.C. — The Biden Administration announced on Tuesday, January 24 the release of the first-ever Federal Evidence Agenda on LGBTQI+ Equity.
As outlined in a White House press release, “This Evidence Agenda delivers on a commitment made by President Biden in a June 2022 Executive Order on LGBTQI+ equality, and is an important step forward in the Administration’s work to expand the federal collection of data about sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics (‘SOGI data’), and advance equity for LGTBQI+ Americans.”
Understanding the individuals the federal government serves and what challenges they face has been a missing piece of the equity puzzle for LGBTQI+ people. This Evidence Agenda provides clear guidance on how to safely collect SOGI data across government agencies and will help to develop data driven policies that promote the full inclusion, health, and wellbeing of the LGBTQI+ community.
In response to a Request for Information on the Federal Evidence Agenda in October 2022, Family Equality reiterated the urgent need for SOGI data collection in child welfare (read our full response here). We applaud the Administration for including specific questions into the Federal Evidence Agenda on how SOGI data collection can be used to improve care for LGBTQI+ children, youth, and families touched by the child welfare system.
“A lack of comprehensive SOGI data collection across the federal government results in unfair and inequitable government programs and policies for the LGBTQI+ community,” said Laura Brennan, Policy Associate. “It’s particularly harmful for the one in three youth in foster care who identify as LGBTQI+ and need data driven policies that promote their safety, well-being, and permanency. Assessing, improving, and monitoring the programs that are meant to support LGBTQI+ people is at the heart of the Evidence Agenda.”
“We at Family Equality are incredibly thankful for the historic progress made by this administration and look forward to supporting the critical work of the Federal Evidence Agenda on LGBTQI+ Equity,” shared Brennan.
About Family Equality
Family Equality is creating a world where everyone can experience the love, safety, and belonging of family. As the leading national organization for current and future LGBTQ+ families, we work to ensure that everyone has the freedom to find, form, and sustain their families by advancing LGBTQ+ equality through advocacy, support, storytelling, and education.
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Press Contact
Tonya Agnew,
Chief Communications Officer
(765) 490-4709 / tagnew@familyequality.org