Comments on: What Every LGBT Person Should Know About the Census

By: Brian

Brian — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 18:48:22 +0000

I would remind people that the census data was used to identify, locate and confine Japanese Americans during WWII. I will be completing the census form answering all questions truthfully but with trepidation.

By: Lizee

Lizee — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:29:22 +0000

Matt –
Kel2010 is correct. You can put yourself as Person #1 and your partner as Person #2. The owner can be Person #3. Question #3 addresses if the house is “owned by someone in the house” – it doesn’t necessarily mean they have to be Person #1. So to make sure you are counted as a couple, make sure you or your partner are Person #1.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 05:19:11 +0000

An “are you gay” question on the census would be ridiculous. I am a person, like any other, and my homosexuality is “part” of me, and should be a nonissue in the eyes of my government. You’re gay? So what. You’re straight. Woohoo. Good for you. You used to be a man? And? Who the hell cares. Next.

By: Jason Cianciotto

Jason Cianciotto — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 01:50:23 +0000

Thanks for the great post Gabriel! My husband and I were married in Toronto in 2008. Based on this information, we should indicate that we are married on the Census form, even though most states and the federal government do not recognize our Canadian marriage.

By: Kel2010

Kel2010 — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:23:13 +0000

Sorry Alex!
Matt-if either you or your partner can be #1 then it’ll show up and count in that way. Otherwise you are all roommates.
Richard–The Census’ sole purpose is to count the people–the rest of the information is GREAT for the community, statistics for non-profits, and for people interested in historical records. I’m sure there are plenty of other uses as well. The form is so short-it’s GREAT that we can list partners and at least we’ll have that count even though we aren’t going to know exactly how many homosexuals are in our country.
Anyone else know anything different??

By: RichardR

RichardR — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:52:00 +0000

Filled my form out today – I am single, live alone; afterwards called the 800 # to ask them how I could inform the Bureau that I’m gay. Disastrous phone call. Automated intro didn’t work, ultimately spoke with a person who reported that she was getting an “echo effect” so couldn’t communicate clearly; but did inform me that I should check either the male or the female box. I explained I wasn’t asking about gender but orientation. Asked for a supervisor who was similarly polite but no more informative. They need the information supplied in the article! Maybe they’ll get it together for the 2020 census.

By: A Quick Note on the Census « Worthless Drivel

A Quick Note on the Census « Worthless Drivel — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:47:07 +0000

[...] is that this is the first Census in which LGBT couples in same-sex relationships will be counted. Box Turtle Bulletin has just posted a very clear and comprehensive FAQ about how members of the LGBT community should confront the [...]

By: Matt

Matt — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:41:09 +0000

My Registered Domestic Partner and I rent a room from a friend of ours who owns the home in which we live. From my understanding, our roommate, the owner of the home, would be listed as Person 1. Since the form (which has not arrived at our house yet, so please forgive me if I am misunderstanding) asks one’s relationship to Person 1, my partner and I would not be counted as a ‘committed’ couple. Is that correct? If so, any advice on what to do? Maybe ask our roommate if my partner or I can be listed as Person 1? I’m open to, and hoping for, suggestions.

By: Alex Parrish

Alex Parrish — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:30:27 +0000

It would have been helpful to have this information earlier; my census arrived 3-4 weeks ago and has already been sent-in. Too late to change it now!