U.S. Census starts to count Transgender population

[KayC]

We had a great get together today on the TGP Zoom group meeting - During that event @Susan R commented that the 2020 U.S. Census did not attempt to identify and count those who identify as Transgender (and some other aspects of the LGBTQ community).  But we also discovered that this is starting to change. 

 

Here is the link to the U.S. Census Household Pulse Survey - which now includes questions regarding identifying as Transgender and other LGBT and sexual identity groups -

https://www.census.gov/data/experimental-data-products/household-pulse-survey.html

 

and link to the Survey Questionnaire file if you want to see the actual survey - if you want to open to see what type/categories they are using (you will have to scroll down a ways).

https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/demo/technical-documentation/hhp/Phase_3-10_HPS_Questionnaire_English.pdf

 

As @Susan R commented, and as we all probably agree - we need to be counted to be heard - this is the first step.

 

 

[Carolyn Marie]

I had not heard of this before, and I think it's very important. As an old saying  goes (and I'm paraphrasing), "If they don't count you, you don't count."  But I am a bit leery of any results, as many trans folk are not going to trust the Census Bureau to keep the results anonymous, especially in this political environment.  Still, it's better than nothing.

 

I'm anxiously awaiting the results of the National Transgender Survey that was run by the NCTE (of which I am a Board member).  It got a huge response, so I'm hopeful for its accuracy.

 

Carolyn Marie

[awkward-yet-sweet]

I refuse to answer the census in any form. Same for the rest of my family, with the exception of Simply writing down how many of us there are. I absolutely do not trust what the government might use those results for. Especially the long form, which I see as a major invasion of privacy. Yes, refusing to answer fully is sort ofbreaking the law. But when the fine is only $100 and it is rarely prosecuted, I think it's worth it.  

[Carolyn Marie]

21 minutes ago, awkward-yet-sweet said:

I refuse to answer the census in any form.

 

Whatever floats your boat, hon.

 

Carolyn Marie

[Charlize]

I  wonder who gets invited to participateI.  The links above don't get into the survey.  While some may not wish to participate i certainly don't mind having my voice heard if it might help in the understanding of trans issues.  In the past census any questions about gender other than male or female were not allowed.  

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[KayC]

9 hours ago, Carolyn Marie said:

Still, it's better than nothing.

I agree @Carolyn Marie!  it's a start.

Also, please share NTS results when they come out.  That will interesting (and likely more accurate).

 

@awkward-yet-sweet That's cool.  Your choice.  I understand your concerns about Gov agencies and security/privacy.  But the way I look at it, Google, social media, and whatever agency has most all my information and probably know everything about us anyway.  So, if I am asked to participate ... I'm ALL IN!

https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/factsheets/2019/comm/2020-confidentiality-factsheet.pdf

 

@Charlize here is what I found on the Census HPS website about latest round (which it seems they do 3 or 4 times a year).  Fortunately I maintain a U.S. address also.

"The Census Bureau randomly chose your address, not you personally, to participate in this survey. A limited number of addresses from across the country were scientifically selected to represent the entire population.

Your participation is important, and your response cannot be replaced by one from another household address."

https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/household-pulse-survey.html

[Susan R]

2 hours ago, Charlize said:

I  wonder who gets invited to participateI.

Looks like @KayC found out even more information on the frequency of these surveys being multiple times a year.

 

FWIW: When I first read about these surveys, the article stated that 3 million “supposedly” random individuals were given these census surveys annually. It also mentioned it was mandatory to complete (just like the 10 year surveys are).

[awkward-yet-sweet]

8 hours ago, Susan R said:

 @KayC t also mentioned it was mandatory to complete (just like the 10 year surveys are).

 

Yep. But the "mandatory " aspect is ignorable.  I figure if they want to come over and argue with my GF about it, they are welcome to. 

 

The long forms have some really invasive stuff. Like asking what time you leave for work? Why the hell would they need to know that? Only people who are setting you up for a robbery want to know things like that. And I definitely wouldn't trust them with any sex or gender information.

 

If you wouldn't trust this information to a random guy on a street corner at midnight, or wouldn't feel comfortable with it being published on the front page of the newspaper, reconsider giving it to the Feds.

[Charlize]

I guess i'm more open than some.  I fill out the Agricultural Census yearly.  I simply believe that since government policy and funds are hopefully distributed (at least in part) through factual information i need to make my voice heard.  For those who chose not to participate i can understand. While there is understandingly a risk in opening up there can also be benefits both socially and when federal programs are concerned, financially.  

Last year we had a film crew arrive to document our use of silvo pasture for a USDA film.  I had fun and received a nice check and some lovely drone footage for my time.  

I can only think that if it was known how many folks had gender issues politicians might think twice before attacking.  Hiding in a closet isn't for this gal, but that's just my perception.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[VickySGV]

Warning time here -- it is FEDERAL LAW to take part in the U.S. Census and therefor it is against the Community Rules #12 of this site to advocate or speak of deliberately violating it.  Unless this topic can come back to comments about its  potentially good effects on the Transgender Community, it will be closed.