NBJC Applauds Biden-Harris Administration’s “Decades in the Making” Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Intersex Evidence Agenda
CONTACT: Brett Abrams | brett@unbendablemedia.com
“Data showing the LGBTQ+ community’s complexity and diversity is required”
WASHINGTON, DC — – The Biden-Harris Administration’s recently launched “Federal Evidence Agenda On LGBTQI+ Equity ” is a promise kept to the LGBTQ+ community, which ensures our inclusion in critical government-led or sponsored surveys and research efforts.
The following leaders at the National Black Justice Coalition, a leading Black LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, responded saying:
Dr. David J. Johns, executive director, NBJC:
“Our community’s erasure has had a detrimental impact on national, state, and local governments being able to adequately address the barriers that block our ability to thrive.
“We are thrilled about the Biden-Harris administration’s Federal Evidence Agenda Report and the next steps outlined in it due to its considerations regarding the complexity of the LGBTQ+ community. NBJC has been an early and consistent advocate for disaggregated and interoperable data collection that enables meaningful analysis of how disparities show up within minority communities. Having rich data that accounts for intersections within our communities allows us to ask more refined questions and identify more precise solutions.”
Victoria Kirby York, Director of Public Policy and Programs, NBJC:
“The latest FBI Hate Crimes Data Report shows a significant percentage of hate crimes against Black and same-gender loving (SGL) people happen near our residences. It is essential to be able to see whether Black LGBTQ+/SGL people are driving the disparity in both communities and, if so, what is happening in or near our homes. Are these crimes committed by stalkers, neighbors, or family members? If it is family members, are the crimes of LGBTQ+ conversion attempts gone awry? The answers to these questions allow the government to partner with community organizations to prevent and provide better support for hate crimes.
“As an organization that works with Black LGBTQ+/SGL leaders and people from across the country: we have heard many stories of our children being taken from our homes; improper gynecological care; high rates of homelessness, poverty, violence, discrimination, and incarceration; and over-disciplining of our kids in schools – due to bias and prejudice. To create a plan of action that diminishes and prevents these outcomes, we need evidence alongside our experiences to drive solutions that work for all of us. For evidence-based solutions to reach people who are LGBTQ+ AND Black or of a different race, disabled, immigrant, poor, and/or live in rural communities, data showing our community’s complexity and diversity are required.”