Federal Evidence Agenda on LGBTQI+ Equity Response

Child Trends submitted the following comments to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Subcommittee on Equitable Data. These comments respond to a request for information to inform the development of the Federal Evidence Agenda on LGBTQI+ Equity.

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We appreciate this opportunity to share our recommendations for improving the federal government’s ability to make data-informed policy decisions that advance equity for LGBTQI+ children, youth, and families. Child Trends is a highly respected, nonpartisan research organization focused exclusively on improving the lives and prospects of children, youth, and their families. We strive to ensure that our research accurately reflects the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and intersex youth (LGBTQI+)—including those who are asexual, pansexual, Two-Spirit, and nonbinary. We recognize that LGBTQI+ youth’s identities must be affirmed and respected in the research, policies, and programs that impact young people’s lives. Our work recognizes that many LGBTQI+ youth experience multiple forms of discrimination and stigma—including racism, sexism, ableism, and classism—in addition to homophobia and transphobia. We also celebrate strengths and protective factors: Most LGBTQI+ youth successfully navigate adolescence, and their supportive relationships with family, school staff, and peers can serve as critical buffers to experiences of discrimination and stigma. You can access our full body of work on LGBTQI+ youth and families here.

The authors who contributed to these comments bring a wealth of academic and research experience related to LGBTQI+ youth and their families, as well as the many systems that can play a role in supporting them. Our areas of expertise include youth development, education and special education systems, child welfare, data science, data integration, and federal data sets.