Question: Should Sexual Orientation be added to the census?

Rocket River · Feb 29, 2016

robbie380 said: ↑

I said no but it would be interesting to track
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Honestly . . .. the conversation came from a MEME on Facebook
It said that 80% of the black men in Atlanta were Homosexual or Queer

My Reaction was basically I DON'T BELIEVE IT!!!
80% is a incredibly high number . . I truly could be wrong
but 80% . . . . That would mean 640,000 out of 798000

I found the number shocking . . . So we were wondering if it is something that should be tracked.

Rocket River
not that there is anything wrong with that

likestohypeguy · Feb 29, 2016

I could see them getting mad about this issue either way, whether we ask about it, or don't care.

Rocket River · Feb 29, 2016

bobrek said: ↑

In the same vein, wouldn't other questions be helpful in understanding growth rates, location, etc. For example, How many people at this address have cancer. How many people at this address are obese. How many people at this address drink 2+ drinks a day.
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I guess my next question is .. . when was the last time ANYTHING was added to the census?
Maybe it is time for an updated

https://www.census.gov/history/www/through_the_decades/index_of_questions/

Index of Questions

The first censuses counted the population and provided information on population by county. In 1790, the census also categorized white males by age: those under age 16 and those age 16 and older. Over the years, Congress has authorized additional questions, enabling us to better understand the nation's inhabitants and their activities and needs. In fact, one of the nation's founders, James Madison, suggested that the census takers ask additional questions that would help lawmakers better understand the needs of the nation.

For example, the 1810 Census also collected economic data (on the quantity and value of manufactured goods). In 1850, the census began collecting "social statistics" (information about taxes, education, crime, and value of estate, etc.) and mortality data. In 1940, additional questions were asked of a sample of the population, including questions on internal migration, veteran status, and the number of children ever born to women. These questions helped society understand the impact of the Great Depression.

Through the decades, the census has collected data on race, ancestry, education, health, housing, and transportation. An examination of the questions asked during each census illustrates changes in our nation's understanding of race, the impact of immigration, growth of the Hispanic population, and computer usage. As a result of the census's evolution, the constitutionally mandated census has grown to provide important information about the U.S. population and its housing. Coupled with data from the economic and government censuses and demographic and economic surveys, the U.S. Census Bureau provides governments, scholars, planners, businesses, and individuals the data they need to build schools, plan highways, open businesses, and distribute the billions of dollars in federal spending that sustains a growing population.
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Maybe it is time for an update

Rocket River

fallenphoenix · Feb 29, 2016

Sure, just make it optional. You'll probably still get a big enough response for a fair sample.

Rocket River · Feb 29, 2016

likestohypeguy said: ↑

I could see them getting mad about this issue either way, whether we ask about it, or don't care.
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I asked because not being gay myself . . . . I don't know

The numbers could help or hinder their cause I guess

Rocket River

heypartner · Feb 29, 2016

fallenphoenix said: ↑

Sure, just make it optional.
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Being gay or not is NOT optional!

HR Dept · Feb 29, 2016

Doesn't matter.

If you're gay, They already know and They are already watching. And FWIW, They see everything.

JuanValdez · Feb 29, 2016

Rocket River said: ↑

Sounds like those would be decent reasons for Sexual Orientation and other groups that are discriminated against.

Rocket River
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I'm with you on that. I understand the 'interesting to know' arguments but that doesn't mean the census is an appropriate vehicle to find out. What does make the census the appropriate vehicle is that there are a number of classes of people that the government has decided they ought to protect against discrimination or otherwise tailor its public service. Tracking racial identity has been very useful in that regard. The same thinking can probably be applied to all the major protected classes -- religion, national identity, gender, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, and whatever else makes the list. If we're going to be serious about serving it, we should be serious about measuring it.

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Question: Should Sexual Orientation be added to the census?

Should Sexual Orientation be added to the data gathered by the census?

Yes

No

Rocket River Member

likestohypeguy Member

Rocket River Member

fallenphoenix Member

Rocket River Member

heypartner Member

HR Dept Member

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