WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday,  the Biden-Harris Administration released the first-ever Federal Evidence Agenda on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI+) Equity, a roadmap that federal agencies will use to ensure they are collecting the data and evidence they need to improve the lives of LGBTQI+ Americans.

This executive action builds on Representative Grijalva’s LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act, which passed the House with bipartisan support last year, to improve the federal government and Congress’ ability to collect voluntary data to better measure and address the disparities that LGBTQI+ people face in housing, health care, and more.

“After years of collective advocacy, this executive action by the Biden administration is a historic step to accelerate our efforts to close the data gap and account for every LGBTQI+ community member – particularly people of color – and to ensure we address their needs comprehensively,” said Rep. Grijalva. “I look forward to working with the administration as this agenda is implemented and thank the LGBTQI+ voices and allies who continue to fight for a better and more equitable future for all.”

According to the Biden administration, the Evidence Agenda includes:

1. An overview of the priority evidence gaps the Biden-Harris Administration has identified where increased sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data collection will support more evidence-informed programs and policies;
2. Specific questions that agencies will consider as they seek to build and use evidence to improve the health and well-being of LGBTQI+ people; and
3. Important guidelines for collecting SOGI data on forms, such as benefits applications, including the safeguards agencies might use to enable robust SOGI data collection while protecting individual privacy, security, and civil rights.

More information is available here.

Background

Rep. Grijalva introduced the initial LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act in the 114^th Congress under the Obama administration with Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). On June 25, 2021, Rep. Grijalva reintroduced the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act with more than 70 original cosponsors. The legislation passed the House on June 23, 2022 in the 117^th Congress with 128 cosponsors and​ support from more than 200​ civil rights, public health and scientific organizations.