The Task Force: We All Count

Tell the Census Bureau: LGBT people must be counted! ENDA. Marriage equality. "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." There's a lot at stake right now for the LGBT community. But there's another issue that deserves our attention — and you may not have even thought of it. This spring, you and millions of other people across the country will likely receive a census survey in the mail. And while the U.S. Census Bureau claims to seek an accurate picture of who we are as a nation, there isn't a single question that asks if you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Why is that a problem? Because according to the national survey that is supposed to reflect the diversity of our population, LGBT people are flat-out invisible. Tell the Census Bureau that this is unacceptable — everyone deserves to be counted. Being counted in the census isn't just a numbers game. The data is used by researchers, advocates and policy makers to develop social service programs and make critical policy decisions. And when the LGBT community isn't represented in the numbers, then we also aren't considered as these decisions are made; decisions that impact our health care, our economic stability — even our safety. That's the bad news. But the good news is we can change this. Thanks in part to the efforts of Task Force supporters last year, the 2010 census will report same-sex marriages. So if we send the message loud and clear that it's just as critical that the census and other government surveys count LGBT individuals, we believe they'll listen. But the Census Bureau needs to hear from each and every one of us. Sign the petition now in support of a census that counts everyone. The 2010 census is just around the corner — and it's just as much a piece of the equality puzzle for us, for our families, and for our future. Please join us and help make LGBT people visible now. After you sign, make sure to spread the word. With your help, and with the voices of our friends, families and communities, I know we can make the Census Bureau listen. Thank you for taking action with the Task Force.