As it stands the 2010 census will not include a question about sexual orientation or gender identity. LGBT people need to be heard and counted so that our community is accurately reflected and catered to with respect to government research and funding. The data collected is critical for issues such as health care, economic stability and even safety.
In addition to demanding that we have data on sexuality and gender, this is the first time the census will count married same-sex couples. Please ensure that you check off the "husband/wife" or "unmarried partner" box.
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force will send you a FREE Queer The Census sticker to affix to your envelope when you fill out and send your census.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Queer the Census!
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7 comments:
I can't remember the last time I got a census form. I do always point out at doctor's offices that their forms need updating.
This is extremely important, not just for fairness' sake, but for history's sake. Documentation is essential in being remembered as part of history. Can't wait to check of "husband" for two reasons: (1) the thrill of it and (2) the quiet message of resistance because, of course, the federal government, which issues the census, does not recognize my marriage.
We got our sticker and will indeed use it as well as registering as married. I know it will be a thrill for me to check "wife" for both of us, too. And yes, the resistance factor is a plus. The government needs to see how many American GLBTQ couples are affected by the failure to have nationwide marriage equality with ALL the rights and responsibilities given to heterosexual couples.
This is a terrific idea.
And you probably got a census form about 10 years ago.
If you care at all about LGBT concerns being taken seriously, you will NOT use this sticker. The Department of Commerce must ignore any information their process was not designed to accept. It is likely that the stickers will jam automated scanning.
Best case scenario: the stickers are ignored.
Worst case scenario: use of the stickers is blamed for ever increasing budget overruns in the decennial census.
There are other population enumerations that the Department of Commerce performs at the request of Congress. Work through your elected representatives to press for collection of information about sexual preference. Gumming up the works for the sake of gumming up the works is political vandalism.
I love this sticker, and I love the idea, however the only problem is that as an asexual, I STILL can't make my orientation known.
Agreed concerning asexuality. As that is my orientation, there isn't an option for me to check.
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