Expand collection of SOGI information

An estimated 1.8 million LGBTQ+ youth seriously consider suicide each year, and they are more than four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers.[1] In 2021, nearly 70 percent of LGBTQ high school youth reported feeling persistently sad and hopeless, compared to only 35 percent of their heterosexual peers.[2]

Accurate data is necessary to address the growing LGBTQ+ youth suicide crisis. Sexual Orientation and Gender Identify (SOGI) data enables those working with LGBTQ+ youth to better understand the health and safety risks among these youth, informs policy change [3] and helps policymakers and leaders understand the full extent of the discrimination the LGBTQ+ community faces.[4] Data informs decisions in public health by tracking better, faster, and more actionable insights.[5] SOGI data will also increase awareness around the LGBTQ+ health crisis, reducing stigma and lowering suicide rates.

The Administration, Congressional leaders, and federal agencies recognize the importance of this data. In June 2022, the White House released Recommendations on the Best Practices for the Collection of SOGI Data on Federal Statistical Surveys, emphasizing the vital role of federal surveys in supporting evidence-based policymaking.[6][7] In June 2023, the LGBTQ+ Data Inclusion Act was reintroduced in both the U.S. House and Senate. The bill would require voluntary questions on sexual orientation, gender identity, and related characteristics in government surveys to help lawmakers and federal agencies address LGBTQ+ issues.[4][8][9][10] In 2022, the bill passed the U.S. House.