10 things to know about the 2010 Census
1. You count!
Mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the census is a count taken every 10 years of everyone living in the United States. The information gathered helps determine your representation in government as well as how $300 billion in federal funds are spent on roads, parks, housing, schools, and public safety in your community.
2. The 2010 Census only asks about five topics.- Age
- Sex
- Race/Ethnicity
- Relationship
- Tenure (Rent/Own your home)
Detailed information that used to be part of the census “long form” is now collected in an annual national survey called the American Community Survey.
3. The Census does not ask if you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.Adding questions to the census takes years and must be approved by Congress. Advocacy for the inclusion of LGBT questions in a number of surveys, such as the National Health Interview Survey, National Crime Victimization Survey and Survey of Income and Program Participation, has been happening for years and will continue.
4. Transgender people should identify with whichever sex on the census form they feel best applies to them.Sex is recorded for every person, but there is no way to express transgender status. Respondents may choose only one of the two options.
5. LGBT couples who are married should check “husband” or “wife” on the census form. Other same-sex couples should check “unmarried partner.”The person filling out the census form indicates their relationship to everyone in the house. If you are living with your married spouse then check “husband” or wife” on the census form. Other same-sex couples should check “unmarried partner.”
6. The White House is seeking ways to include same-sex marriages, unions and partnerships in 2010 Census dataThe Obama administration has directed the Census Bureau to determine what changes need to be made in tabulation software to include married same-sex couples in census reports. Citing DoMA, Census officials had planned to reclassify married same-sex couples as, instead, “unmarried partners.” This approach would result in inaccurate census data and belittle the lives of LGBT families across the country. HRC and other organizations continue to work closely with the administration and Census Bureau to ensure everyone’s marriages are treated with equal dignity and respect.
7. Census forms are confidential.Census responses are protected by law, and all Census Bureau employees take an oath to protect confidentiality and are subject to a jail term, fine – or both – for disclosing any information that could identify a respondent or household.
8. LGBT people of color in bi-racial relationships should consider identifying as head of household.In some reports Census officials designate the race of everyone in the house based on the race of the head of household. Given that people of color are often undercounted, LGBT people of color in bi-racial relationships should consider identifying as the head of household.
9. The Census Bureau is hiring.Conducting the census is a huge undertaking. Thousands of census takers are needed to update address lists and conduct interviews with community residents. Find out more at http://2010.census.gov/2010censusjobs.
10. Look for your census questionnaire in your mailbox March 2010.Be counted! Fill out and return your form! Look for your census questionnaire in your mailbox March 2010.