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    Gender Identity Question, New Ethnic Category Among US Census Adds

    Online Niel Posted on

    Clearer questions about sexual orientation, gender identity, race and ethnicity are one step closer to appearing on the US Census.

    Following a new category standards set by the federal government this springTHE US Census Bureau uses a combined race and ethnicity question and will implement a new category “Middle Eastern or North African”.

    Additionally, throughout the summer, the US Census Bureau tested new questions about sexual orientation and gender identity by the American Community Survey. Conducted annually, the survey collects information on the demographic, economic, housing and social characteristics of the population.

    The Census Bureau is awaiting the results of its field tests, which will determine the implementation of others LGBTQ+ questions and language in the next census. Assuming the changes are approved, they could be implemented as early as 2027.

    New questions about sexual orientation, gender

    Three new survey questions are tested on sexual orientation and gender identity.

    Sexual orientation

    The survey’s test question on sexual orientation asks, “Which of the following best represents how this person thinks of himself?”

    Response options include “gay or lesbian,” “heterosexual, not gay or lesbian,” and “bisexual.” The question also allows respondents to fill in a blank box if the previous three options do not suit them best.

    Gender identity

    Two questions relate to gender identity.

    The first question asks, “What gender was (the respondent) assigned at birth?” Answer options include “Male” and “Female”.

    The second question asks, “What is (respondent’s) correct gender?” Response options include “Male,” “Female,” “Transgender,” “Nonbinary,” and a blank fill-in box.

    In its testing phase, the latter question will be presented in two different ways. The first will allow respondents to mark only one answer, and the second will allow respondents to “mark all that apply” for answers they think represent them.

    For example, a respondent who accepts the second version of the question may answer “Male” and “Transgender” if they identify as a transgender male.

    The U.S. Census Bureau aligned its new questions with recommendations from the Office of Management and Budget and the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Stephanie Galvin, assistant chief of the social characteristics division in the Social, Economic, and Housing Statistics Division , stated during Fall meeting of the US Census Bureau’s National Advisory Committee, Thursday.

    Only respondents over the age of 15 will be asked these new questions.

    Implementation of more gender neutral terms

    In addition to questions about sexual orientation and gender identity, the US Census Bureau is testing more gender-neutral language throughout the survey.

    “For example, the biological son or daughter is now a biological child,” Galvin said.

    “Their” will also replace many “his/her” pronouns throughout the survey.

    For example, a previous question asked, “Does this person have any grandchildren under the age of 18 who live in this house or apartment?”

    In probate, the question is now, “Does this person have any grandchildren under the age of 18 who live in this house or apartment?”

    New questions, categories related to race, ethnicity

    The new U.S. Census question combining race and ethnicity will allow respondents to report one or more categories to indicate their racial and ethnic identity, according to US Census Bureau.

    Along with the new federal standards, the US Census Bureau saw a large increase in the number of respondents who felt they could inadequately indicate their race and ethnicity.

    Between 2010 and 2020, respondents began checking the “Other race” category 129 percent more, surpassing the use of the black or African American category as the second largest race in the United States, according to the study. US Census Bureau.

    For the first time since 1997, census respondents will have the opportunity to mark their race as “Middle Eastern or North African.” Until this change, many respondents were only classified into the racial category “white”..

    When is the next census?

    The next US census will take place on April 1, 2030.

    Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email them at [email protected].

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