Groundbreaking GLBT Census of Central Ohio Released
Click here to view the Central Ohio LGBT Census Results (PDF)
Columbus, OH – The GLBT Census of Central Ohio, the largest and most comprehensive survey of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender population of central Ohio, is being released today.
Over 3,400 responses to the anonymous online survey were received and compiled into data that gives the most detailed picture on central Ohio’s GLBT population that exists to date.
“The primary purpose of this survey is to gather a more detailed understanding of the GLBT community and to gain information that helps us improve the delivery of human services to this population. The information contained in the results will help us make smarter decisions on where and how to invest community resources,” said Doug Zelinski, chair of the steering committee that oversaw the development and implementation of the census.
- The project was led by Columbus AIDS Task Force, Stonewall Columbus and United Way of Central Ohio, which helped form the steering committee that oversaw the survey, and reached out to GLBT and health and human service organizations for input on determining survey questions. The Legacy Fund and Abercrombie and Fitch also provided support.
“United Way of Central Ohio is committed to working with our many partners to make data-driven decisions that help us achieve community impact,” said Janet E. Jackson, president and CEO of United Way of Central Ohio. “We believe that our work must by supported by data, and that all members of our community count and must be represented. The results of this census will help United Way develop strategies for our work that are based on our commitment to diversity and inclusion.”
The GLBT Census of Central Ohio is an anonymous online survey that was conducted in 2007. Group discussions with members of the GLBT community who were underrepresented in the census results were also held to help form a better picture of the overall GLBT community.
There were three eligibility criteria for participating in the census:
- Live in Central Ohio
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender
A total of 3,860 people completed the census. Of these, 3,406 participants met the eligibility criteria and served as the basis for this report. Participants were largely, white, non-Hispanic (93%), between the ages of 21-50 (79%), highly educated (84% some college or more), employed full time (71%), had household incomes between $50,000 – $150,000 (54%), and were HIV-negative (83%).
Overall Conclusions
Participants in the GLBT Census of Central Ohio are essentially physically healthy, in satisfying relationships, and mostly satisfied with the cultural, social, and athletic opportunities available in the community. These strengths are balanced by seemingly elevated levels of depression, which is going untreated, and discrimination experienced primarily in the workforce.
Key Findings
- Over half of census participants were in committed/partnered relationships. The average length of these relationships was 8 years (Range: 2 months – 55 years) and most participants were either Satisfied or Extremely Satisfied with their relationship.
- Depression was experienced by almost one third of participants, and was experienced by over half of participants who identified as bisexual and transgender. What is more alarming; however, is that approximately one third of people were not seeking any treatment or help.
- Thirteen percent of participants reported never being tested for HIV or not knowing their HIV status (took a test and did not get results, not had a recent test).
- Almost half of participants stated they had never experienced discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or HIV-status. For those who had experienced discrimination, almost two of every three participants reported experiencing this discrimination at work.
- Almost 60% of participants stated they had been called names, threatened, stalked, intimidated, or had personal property defaced or damaged because they were gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender.
- Participants believed that a lack of interest in GLBT issues or concerns by members of the Columbus GLBT community was the issue which was most problematic for the central Ohio GLBT community. Participants believed there is a lack of leadership within the GLBT community.
- Over three-fourths of participants stated it was important for GLBT people to share a sense of community with one another.
- Approximately 80% of participants wanted the right to legally marry in Ohio. An even greater percentage (86%) would favor a relationship with the legal benefits of marriage (i.e., civil unions).
The full results of the GLBT Census of Central Ohio as well as an executive summary are available at these websites:
- www.catf.net (Columbus AIDS Task Force)
- www.stonewallcolumbus.org (Stonewall Columbus)
- www.uwcentralohio.org (United Way of Central Ohio)
