With the increasing implementation of new laws targeting LGBTQ+ individuals in states led by the GOP, the lack of comprehensive demographic information on transgender and intersex people has become evident. This absence of clear data regarding the number of affected individuals means that lawmakers are making decisions without a proper understanding of the population they are impacting.
Difficulty in Examining the LGBTQ+ and Intersex Demographics
There has been a significant paucity of collected data regarding the number of LGBTQ+ residents in the United States, particularly individuals who identify as intersex – born with physical characteristics that do not align with traditional male or female definitions. This lack of information inhibits lawmakers’ ability to study the repercussions of their decisions and make well-informed policy choices.
Estimating the Intersex Population
Advocacy groups estimate that approximately 1.7% of people in the US, equivalent to around 5.6 million individuals, are born intersex. Intersex individuals may have variations in their genitalia, internal reproductive organs, chromosome patterns, or hormones. However, not all individuals with intersex traits are identified as such at birth, and some only discover their status later in life.
Estimating the LGBTQ+ Population
According to the Williams Institute, over 13 million individuals aged 13 and older in the US identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, including roughly 1.3 million transgender adults and 300,000 young transgender individuals. However, due to stigma and insufficient data, accurately assessing the total LGBTQ+ population proves challenging.
Data from Census and Surveys Regarding LGBTQ+ Identification
Data collection on sexual orientation and gender identity only began in 2021 by the US Census Bureau, and the Household Pulse Survey reports that 0.06% of responding adults identify as transgender, while 1.7% do not identify as male, female, or trans. Additional surveys indicate that approximately 2% of respondents identify as “something else” or express uncertainty about their identity.
Fluctuations in LGBTQ+ Identification
The Williams Institute’s demographic studies in 2017 and 2021 reveal a slight increase in the number of young people identifying as transgender. However, it remains unclear to what extent LGBTQ+ identification has changed due to recent data collection initiatives on transgender status and factors such as increased comfort among youth in identifying as transgender.
Conclusion: The absence of comprehensive demographic information on transgender and intersex individuals in the US poses a significant challenge for policymakers. It is crucial to prioritize proper data collection and research to understand the needs of this population and ensure that laws and policies are all-encompassing and respectful of individual rights and identities.