Although the Census does not explicitly ask about sexual orientation or gender identity, there are additional reasons why the entire community should aim to be counted. “The Census helps LGBTQ communities access billions in federal funding for social programs, helps us build political power, and helps us enforce civil rights protections,” says Meghan Maury, policy director at the National LGBTQ Task Force. “Like other marginalized communities, LGBTQ people have historically been undercounted on the Census,” she explained.
Filling out the Census can not only improve the accuracy of population data to help to bolster the allocation of resources to their geographic communities through programs like Medicaid, public housing, and food stamps, it can also help LGBTQ advocates demonstrate to legislators and policymakers the size of the community for whose needs they are seeking funding.
It’s safe and easy to complete the Census today at my2020census.gov or call in at 844-330-2020.
Today in Pilsen, the Pilsen Neighbors Community Council will host the U.S. Census discussion at noon on Facebook. After, Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th), SGA Youth And Family Services and the Coalition For A Better Chinese American Community, will hit the streets to spread awareness about the census in the 25th ward. Event link.
