Amplifying Queer Voices in South Dakota - Advocating for Queer People through Data Collection

Abstract Information: The necessity for Queer people to be included in data collection and program evaluation has been an ongoing conversation in the evaluation world. Queer identities are often erased from data collection efforts through the non-inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity questions in both state and federal agencies. For example, in South Dakota, state administrators have opted out of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity modules provided in the two major surveys that collect health information from Queer people, the BRFSS and the YRBSS. Programs in the state do not usually ask participants about their sexual orientation or gender identity. There are no state plans or initiatives concerning the disparities in care that exist for Queer people. Lost&Found and The Transformation Project, two South Dakota-based nonprofits, have implemented a project titled “The South Dakota Queer Affirmative Care Initiative (SDQACI).” The goal of the project is to distribute five surveys across the state of South Dakota, focusing on Queer adults (18+), Queer youth (10-17), caregivers to Queer youth, medical providers, and mental health providers. Currently, the adult survey is live and active, receiving over 300 responses in the first three months. This will be one of the first large-scale data-collection efforts specifically focusing on Queer people in South Dakota. The survey’s goal is to amplify the voices of Queer people to understand better where health inequity exists, as well as how the political climate and legislation in South Dakota affect the mental health of Queer people. Utilizing data from the SDQACI, Lost&Found and The Transformation Project will advocate for equitable policies and practices for Queer people in both medical and mental health care. At this roundtable session, we will discuss data collection strategies, initial data results, strategies for advocacy, and our innovative approach to reaching providers in the state through power mapping. Attendees should come prepared to discuss other strategies for reaching Queer populations, specifically in rural areas. We will also discuss the implications of the initial data and what advocacy efforts could be implemented. We hope that through the roundtable discussion, the group can learn from each other and share insights on applying these efforts in program evaluation, advocacy, and data collection. Now is an urgent time to amplify Queer voices in evaluation as evidence-based policies in health and mental health care are being questioned by legislators and policymakers across the United States.