In partnership with Pride Northwest, PSU School of Social Work, and Wild Iris Consulting, The Equi Institute is conducting a state-wide data justice project called “Because I Count - LGBTQAI2S+ in Oregon”. This project will produce the very first comprehensive set of data on the lived experiences of LGBTQAI2S+ Oregonians.

Our approach to applied social research necessitates thoughtful and equitable engagement with our findings. We are not interested in typing up a report to gather dust on a shelf. LGBTQAI2S+ Oregonians across the state will gain great benefit from this project. Decision-makers at all levels of policy development and implementation will have concrete data to inform and develop policies and bills. Educators at both the K-12 and post-secondary levels will be able to use data to more intentionally design the education experience and promote deeper understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQAI2S+ community. Medical professionals, social service organizations, and providers serving this population will be able to provide more culturally appropriate and affirming care. 

Most importantly though, LGBTQAI2S+ community members will be empowered to actively steward our dataset. Not only will this project result in tools and infrastructure for future advocacy efforts, we will also utilize our findings to increase community visibility internally, especially highlighting the diversity of rural and frontier areas. By having a better understanding of our own community, queer and trans CBOs can tailor local outreach efforts and increase the accessibility of their programming. 

Our research is translational, transformative, and sustainable in nature. Looking toward the future, our statewide, cross-sector coalition will only strengthen with time. We are building community capacity to lead and conduct our own research. By replicating our methods, we will engage in longitudinal research to better understand and track improvements in community health and wellness as a result of our project.

 Thanks to QuestionPro for providing us free survey templates for running multiple types of surveys. It aids in strengthening our nonprofit family.