Sheila Jackson Lee: “I thank the sponsor of this legislation and the chairwoman of the Oversight and Reform Committee for bringing this…”

“I thank the sponsor of this legislation and the chairwoman of the Oversight and Reform Committee for bringing this legislation to the floor. Data collection is an indispensable tool to understand and address changes facing the LGBTQI community and other sexual- and gender- diverse communities. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record an article from American Progress dated May 24, 2022. [From American Progress, May 24, 2022] Collecting Data About LGBTQI+ and Other Sexual and Gender-Diverse Communities Data collection is an indispensable tool to understand and address challenges facing LGBTQI+ and other sexual and gender-diverse communities. Although strides have been made in recent years, a persistent lack of routine data collection on sexual orientation, gender identity, and variations in sex characteristics (SOGISC) is still a substantial roadblock for policymakers, researchers, service providers, and advocates seeking to improve the health and well-being of LGBTQI+ people. More comprehensive and accurate point-in-time and longitudinal demographic data on SOGISC are crucial to: Advance research agendas; Evaluate population trends; Identify community-based needs; Provide high-quality services; Track and address discrimination; Equitably distribute funding and other resources; and Shape evidence-based policy solutions to promote equity and reduce disparities faced by LGBTQI+ populations.…”