The Washington LGBTQ+ Survey Needs YOU To Complete A First Of Its Kind Statewide Survey Of LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit Residents

“The data gathered will help shape policies and services that directly impact LGBTQ+ individuals and communities in Washington,” said Dr. Crystallee Crain, founder and director of Prevention at the Intersections.

While some national surveys include Washington data, this is only the second survey to focus solely on the state’s LGBTQ+ community and the first to include LGBTQ+ adolescents living in Washington. Researchers are collecting a range of information from demographics and geographic location to economic status and health and safety concerns. This research attempts to bridge the data gap created by the lack of national census data based on sexual orientation and gender identity and build more trusting relationships between the diverse statewide LGBTQIA2S+ community and their state officials.

The survey is entirely anonymous, and no identifying information is collected. Participants can volunteer their email on a separate form and be entered in a raffle drawing to win a $50 gift card. Over 4,000 people ages 11-98 years from every county in the state have participated in the survey since it launched on June 1, 2024. The goal is to reach 10,000 respondents by January 31, 2025. Survey responses are particularly needed from the Latine/x, Asian, Southeast Asian, and Asian American LGBTQ+ communities.

The survey team is led by LGBTQ+ individuals from WSU’s Murrow College of Communication, data2insight, an LGBTQ+-owned equitable research and evaluation firm, and Prevention at the Intersections.

Since the survey’s launch, the Research Team and volunteers have been present at key events across the state, reaching a wide range of LGBTQ+ people. They have attended over 30 events, disseminating information about the survey and offering an opportunity to complete it in person on a secure device. Events included Pride celebrations in Spokane, Tri-Cities, Seattle, Renton, Yakima, Walla Walla, Battle Ground, Port Townsend, Kitsap County, Seattle Mariners and Seattle Storm games, community concerts, nightlife events, and more. The Research Team has also contacted and engaged with over 80 community organizations, educational institutions, small and large businesses, and government agencies across the state.

“This landmark survey is designed for us by us,” said Traci Gillig, an assistant professor at WSU’s Murrow College of Communication. “This opportunity to make our voices heard and influence change is more vital than ever with the recent election results. While WA state is generally considered a welcoming and LGBTQ+-supportive place, we must not take our rights for granted.”

Amplify awareness of the survey and help give voice to Washington state’s LGBTQIA+ and 2S communities. Post a flyer about the survey in the lobby of your building, local community center, or common areas at your place of employment, or share information about the survey on social media. Flyers are available in English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese, and a social media toolkit that includes accessible graphics and content specifically designed for social media channels can be downloaded here.

The Washington LGBTQ+ Survey is open until January 31, 2025, for anyone who identifies as a member of the LBGTQIA+ and Two-Spirit communities, lives in Washington state, and is 11 years or older. The survey is available in English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese and can be completed at walgbtqsurvey.com. For accommodations or assistance in participating in the survey, please email contact@lgbtq.wa.gov.