Washington, D.C. – Laura E. Durso, Senior Director of the LGBT Research and Communications Project at the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement after the New York City Council today passed a series of ground-breaking bills to collect demographic data about sexual orientation, gender identity, multiracial identities and other characteristics on forms administered by city agencies. Int. 552-A directs the New York City Departments of Homeless Services and Education, the New York City Administration for Children’s Services, and other city agencies to include questions about sexual orientation and gender identity.
New York City is the birthplace of the LGBT rights movement, but LGBT New Yorkers still face unacceptably high rates of homelessness, poverty, and discrimination. Advocates, lawmakers, and city agencies need data about LGBT people to understand the consequences of discrimination and ensure that LGBT New Yorkers and their families are being effectively served by often-lifesaving services such as homeless shelters and public health programs. These bills will also require city agencies to collect important data on multiracial identities, ancestry, and languages spoken, helping make sure city programs are accessible to all. By passing these bills with strong bipartisan support, the City Council recognizes the diversity of the city’s people and is working toward a more equal New York.
Related resources:
For more information on this topic or to speak with an expert, contact Tom Caiazza at [email protected] or 202.481.7141.