Issue
The Census Bureau is seeking input from the public to improve participation in the 2030 Census. The 2020 Census provided data about same-sex married and cohabiting couples but did not include measures that allowed for the identification of LGBT individuals. The omission of sexual orientation and gender identity measures results in an undercount of LGBT people.
Impact
Certain populations have been undercounted on the decennial census, including people of color, American Indian and Alaska Native people living on reservations, and LGBT individuals. Census 2030 could provide a complete picture of LGBT communities throughout the U.S. by incorporating measures that allow for the identification of LGBT people who are not living with same-sex partners.
Summary
Scholars provide existing research noting that the decennial census undercounts LGBT populations. They also provide recommendations for how the Census Bureau could successfully implement sexual orientation and gender identity measures and encourage self-responses from all respondents for the 2030 Census.