In a new project, researchers from Cornell and the University of Edinburgh are investigating how data about LGBTQ communities is used (and misused) by governments, companies and community organizations.
The project, "Gay Numbers: The Use and Misuse of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Data in the U.K. and U.S." will also explore how many people identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer, and why the numbers matter.
Launching this month, Gay Numbers will conduct a first-of-its-kind mapping exercise to document how sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data has been used and misused in the UK and US between 2020-25.
"Good intentions often drive SOGI data collection, but too often fixed identity categories and limited response options create challenges for gender fluid individuals. It's important that SOGI measurement includes diverse and critical perspectives because it's powerful work influencing our daily lives," said co-PI Jamie Budnick, assistant professor of sociology in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Read the full story on the College of Arts and Sciences website.
