Overall, the report emphasizes the biological capture of identities and the potential for discrimination if data is not collected in an organized, thoughtful manner. Since these aspects identify marginalized populations, there are inherent risks in collecting data in the first place. To minimize discrimination and abuse, it is not recommended that all data be collected in every situation.

Many surveys conflate gender and gender, confusing both survey respondents and analysts trying to draw meaningful conclusions from the data. The report defines gender as a set of biological characteristics, while gender includes identity and expression. The group recommends collecting data on sex only when explicitly requested, such as when a doctor is trying to schedule a Pap smear or prostate exam. This ties in with the core recommendation to collect only the minimum amount of data necessary.

The report lays out a two-step protocol for categorizing gender identity: respondents were asked about the gender on their birth certificate and their current gender identity. Past research has shown that asking about gender identity alone leads to undercounting of the transgender population. For example, maybe one trans woman identifies her gender as trans and another identifies her as female. The two-step approach ensures that both are classified as having a “transgender experience,” which is relevant data in some cases.

There are also strict privacy protections regarding how data is reported, accessed and used.Many LGBTQ+ people suffered when their identities were revealed Involuntary DisclosureProfessional bodies have highlights potential dangers Collect sensitive data about marginalized populations. The authors concluded that population-level data collection is unlikely to cause direct harm to individuals.

The authors note that the most likely harm from this method of aggregated data collection is that the insights or benefits provided never return to the relevant community. They highlight best practices for sharing research findings with the communities involved in the research.

The group’s recommended gender identity language includes naming options for males, females and transgender people only. Purposefully select limited options to prioritize aggregation; given the sample size of many surveys, if more specific options (e.g. “trans men vs women”) are included, there may not be enough responses to provide meaningful insight and protect respondents’ privacy.

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An important part of the report is devoted to designing standardized questions about gender, sexuality and sexuality. The final choice of gender includes male, female, transgender, and dual spirit (a broad Western term for indigenous identities beyond gender binary). However, the dual spiritual options for questions about sexuality and gender identity appeared only when respondents selected “American Indian or Alaska Native” as their ethnicity.