Count Me OUT Loud:2012 LGBT Census

Over-representation. Under-representation. No representation! All to often many have fallen in each of these categories in the data collecting series known as the census. From education to city planning, data concerning the LGBT community has been virtually non-existent. Queer the Census, a petitioning campaign orchestrated by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, has identified that the LGBT community isn't considered when collecting data. The purpose is to tell the census: We're here. We're queer. And we want you to ask us about it. . "It's crazy – the U.S. Census Bureau wants an accurate count of everyone in the country – but there's no question in the survey that asks if you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender." -The Task Force.  Offering its followers, fans, and supporters Queer the Census stickers, The Task Force encourages all to demand that not only are LGBT voices heard but, properly identified. The data collected by the U.S. Census is supposed to calculate the population, capture the amount of diversity that exists, and disaggregate the information collected so that better services in health care, education, business, economic stability and any other element critical to being productive citizens is identified, created, and maintained. However, according to The Task Force, "LGBT people are basically invisible in the survey that is supposed to reflect the diversity of America's population – and that's a big problem." Its clear that data collection has a key impact on issues and the lives of American citizens... LGBT American citizens. But the LGBT community hasn't been counted...until NOW!

On February 1, 2012 the International LGBT census was launched. Created to address the lack that obviously exist in most federal surveys and data collection, provide a clear, accurate account of the LGBT community present in the US and abroad, the International LGBT survey has afforded the LGBT community a platform for our voices to be heard and presence counted. Founded by Terrance Luckett of Atlanta (known as the LGBT capital), “The LGBT 2012 Census is a highly ambitious initiative to collect over one million voices,” said Luckett, who noted the survey is available in most English speaking countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, South Africa and India." Slated to run through April 30, 2012, the LGBT 2012 Census, gathers general demographic information but is extended to get snapshots inside LGBT lives and homes. Data reports are made available to organizations that support LGBT causes, media outlets, and for research purposes. Barely a month old, the LGBT 2012 census, has had an overwhelming response. With over 3500 likes on FB, a strong media presence, its no doubt the the LGBT 2012 Census will do what it set out to do: Being the change we want to see and the bull horn needed to get the attention of the voluntarily blind and deaf.

To take the census, support the cause or learn more visit: http://www.lgbt2012census.com/media.
Sign the petition and receive your FREE Queer the Census Sticker, by visiting http://www.queerthecensus.org/site/c.jeJLIVOxEnH/b.5474287/k.9C4D/Queer_the_Census.htm?msource=qtcfb

Sources: http://www.fenuxe.com/2012/02/08/atlantan-launches-international-lgbt-census/
              www.queerthecensus.org

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