International LGBT Census Now Reaching 14 Countries Back
Atlanta GA (February 15, 2012) – The ambitious grassroots LGBT Census founded in Atlanta, Georgia, which launched February 1, 2012, is now capturing the voices of LGBT individuals from 14 countries.
The United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Israel and South Africa are currently leading in census responses.
“Taking into consideration we only started 13 days ago, the response has been absolutely amazing. We have inquiries coming in from around the world," says Terrance Luckett, founder of the Census. Notably, the census has received overwhelming enthusiasm in Puerto Rico. Through a partnership with QuePasaGayPR.com, a leading LGBT information source on the island, wider media coverage from several news media agencies has brought island-wide attention to the census and spawning more than 500 census voices added in 24 hours. The census has been called “historic” for the island of Puerto Rico by one news source.
“Although in the past, censuses have been made for the LGBT community, this is the first time in history which Puerto Rico participates officially,” said Carlos Maldonado, editor of QuePasaGayPR.com. “Through the voice of millions around the world, we come together in one unified voice that says, ‘This is who we are. We are diverse. We stand together,’” says Luckett. “This has never been done before and will ultimately serve a greater good around the world.”
The census aims to provide data insights and reports to non-profit organizations that contribute to the advancement of LGBT equality; support news media with data insights; provide a community resource that gives individuals the ability to see how we all share a common bond; and provide a resource for local governments seeking to build support for legislation that includes positive policies for LGBT people.
Countries currently included in the census are Australia, Canada, India, Jamaica, New Zealand, The Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, the United Kingdom (Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales) and the United States. Expansion into Latin America and Spain are planned for mid-March. Further expansion is under consideration. The expansion means the census will be extended an additional three months through the end of August.
Topics within the census include: General Demographic, Quality of life, Education, Financial Health, Professional Life, Employment, Dating, Love & Relationships, and Health. For reference purposes, the entire census is available for download as a PDF on the official website under the heading “Media Information.” It takes between 10 and 15 minutes to complete the census.
The census is a privately funded research initiative by a small group of LGBT activists for the sole purpose of helping pave the way to a clearer and brighter future through knowledge and understanding. The census is actively pursuing partnering and supporting relationships with other organizations to help bring additional awareness and voices to the census.
For interviews, answers to questions please direct all questions to census_information@lgbt2012census.com or visit the Census website at www.lgbt2012census.com.
