2010 Census to count same-sex couples
GSFN reports: The 2010 Census promises to be a historic moment for LGBT Americans. For the first time in the institution’s 220-year history, same-sex couples who identify themselves as husband and wife will be counted and reported separately from heterosexual couples.
In addition, the number of same-sex couples who refer to themselves as unmarried partners will also be counted and reported.
The census represents a snapshot of the American population that’s taken every ten years. Census forms should arrive on or around March 15. Officials say they should be completed and returned in its self-addressed, stamped envelope by April 1.
One of the biggest changes in this decade’s census is that people can respond the way in which they self-identify.
But while gay and lesbian couples living together will be counted, no category will identify LGBT singles.
And while no question asks for sexual orientation, same-sex relationships will be extrapolated from the information that’s provided.
Officials stress that all census answers are completely confidential, and that no one will be ‘outed’ as a result of their census responses.
More on the history between the LGBT community and the census can be found here.
In addition, the number of same-sex couples who refer to themselves as unmarried partners will also be counted and reported.The census represents a snapshot of the American population that’s taken every ten years. Census forms should arrive on or around March 15. Officials say they should be completed and returned in its self-addressed, stamped envelope by April 1.
One of the biggest changes in this decade’s census is that people can respond the way in which they self-identify.
But while gay and lesbian couples living together will be counted, no category will identify LGBT singles.
And while no question asks for sexual orientation, same-sex relationships will be extrapolated from the information that’s provided.
Officials stress that all census answers are completely confidential, and that no one will be ‘outed’ as a result of their census responses.
More on the history between the LGBT community and the census can be found here.
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