Moderated by CDT’s Quinn Anex-Ries, the discussion highlighted the growing tension between a lack of federal LGBTQ+ data visibility and the threat of political weaponization as LGBTQ+ rights are increasingly under attack. “When that information is also collected and held at the state level, it’s under greater threat for attack and weaponization. This report really seeks to intervene in this and makes a call to leaders at the state level to say, now more than ever, responsibly collecting and handling this information is really important.”
MAP’s Carolina Medina emphasized that while SOGI data collection can improve people’s lives, it also carries serious risks of harm. They noted that the report acts as a practical rubric for state and local government stakeholders navigating different stages of this work. “[It exists] to support them in making sound decisions about how SOGI demographics should and should not be collected, used, and shared,” Medina said.
AISP’s Della Jenkins pointed out, “States have a lot of room to think thoughtfully and creatively about how to strengthen their existing practice right now and use these mechanisms — legislative and administrative — to increase protections and safeguards in this moment.”
Finally, Priya Nair, Executive Director of the NYC Commission on Gender Equity, emphasized that ethical data collection requires absolute transparency with the public. “That way, at least individuals can make an informed decision about whether they want to provide the information and what information to provide,” they said. “That’s one thing policymakers can do if they are going to be collecting SOGI data or any demographic data: providing that information to people so that they can make their own decision.”
Ultimately, the panelists underscored a crucial duality: while SOGI data has the immense power to enhance lives, it also carries a potential for damage. To navigate this, they offered practical frameworks to help governments conduct intentional, honest risk-benefit analyses before implementation.
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As the federal government increasingly seeks access to state administrative data, policymakers should consider not only legal authority and privacy implications, but also the practical effects on public confidence, program effectiveness, and states’ ability to fulfill their obligations to residents.
CDT, EFF, EPIC, and Upturn Submit Comments on GSA’s Updated Draft AI Terms and Conditions for Federal Contracts
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Schools have an opportunity and responsibility to ensure that new technologies support, rather than undermine, their longstanding goal of expanding opportunity.
