Equity in Data Community of Practice: Vulnerability in LGBTQ+ Data Collection

When designing surveys that include LGBTQ+ demographic questions, how do we balance the need for data with respect for privacy and identity? Our March Equity in Data Community of Practice session tackled this challenge by examining real-world examples and developing inclusive, transparent, and trustworthy data collection guidelines.

COMPASS Youth's Senior Data Analyst, Mica Knox, guided our exploration of ethical frameworks centered on three fundamental principles:

• Beneficence (maximizing benefits while minimizing harm)

• Respect for persons (upholding individual autonomy)

• Justice (ensuring a fair distribution of burdens and benefits)

We emphasized the importance of clearly distinguishing between sex, sexual orientation, gender, and gender identity—each a distinct concept requiring separate consideration in data collection.

Together, we critiqued actual LGBTQ+ survey questions from various sources, noting strengths and weaknesses in language, response options, and overall approach. We explored practical challenges, such as balancing qualitative richness with the needs of quantitative analysis and determining appropriate terminology for different audiences.

We concluded that effective LGBTQ+ data collection requires ongoing dialogue with community members, careful attention to evolving language, and a willingness to adapt our questions as understanding deepens and terminology evolves.

Learn more about the Equity in Data Community of Practice and explore resources shared from our sessions. We meet monthly, and we welcome you to join us (curiosity and interest in data are the only requirements!). To discover more about CTData, explore our mission and range of services. Enhance your data skills for both personal and professional growth through CTData Academy workshops, or delve into insights on our blog. Stay connected with CTData by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.