The 2017 LGBT Survey: A critique of the definition and analysis of lesbians
Sex-disaggregated data on sexual orientation is absolutely necessary for robust policymaking, for tackling sexism and homophobia, and for improving the lives of same-sex attracted people.
The recent judgment from the Supreme Court and the Sullivan review on sex and gender in statistics each unequivocally demonstrate the importance of sex in law and in data. At The Lesbian Project, we aim to highlight the fundamental importance of sex, specifically in research on sexual orientation. Our new report by Diane Stoianov uses the 2017 LGBT Survey commissioned by the Government Equalities Office as a cautionary tale to exemplify what can go wrong when sex is not used as a default, consistent measure.
Our report finds that sex must be included at all stages of research on sexual orientation: in survey questions, in the construction of meaningful non-overlapping categories, in analysis, and in presentation of findings. Only in this way can individual groups have their lives, experiences, and outcomes represented with reference to the relevant factors.
You can download the report here or watch our explainer video below.
Animation credit: Sarah Vaci