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Sexual Orienta�on, Gender Iden�ty, and Sex Characteris�cs (SOGISC) Interest Group Charter

(Final Dra� 1/24/2024)

1. Objec�ve 

The purpose of this interest group is to provide ongoing opportuni�es for individuals interested 

in sta�s�cal methods or data quality related to measuring sexual orienta�on, gender iden�ty, 

and sex characteris�cs (SOGISC) to interact, exchange informa�on, and explore issues related to 

this topic.

It is open to experts and non-expert federal employees alike. The interest group provides 

opportuni�es to iden�fy areas of common research, prac�ce, and challenges, to coordinate 

collabora�ve research projects in those areas, and to disseminate relevant informa�on. The 

group can organize events such as informa�on-sharing sessions, workshops, and conferences. 

This interest group does not produce Federal Commitee on Sta�s�cal Methodology (FCSM) or 

other official government products.

2. Background 

Federal sta�s�cs on sexual orienta�on, gender iden�ty, and sex characteris�cs (SOGISC) are 

used to inform policy affec�ng the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/ques�oning, 

intersex, asexual, and addi�onal non-straight, non-cisgender iden�ty (LGBTQIA+) popula�ons in 

the United States. Accordingly, there is interest in improving the measurement of SOGISC.

Although some Federal surveys have collected informa�on describing LGBTQIA+ popula�ons for 

well over a decade, some aspects of SOGISC have been more rou�nely measured, collected, and 

extensively studied than others. SOGISC measures are one specific instance in which Federal 

sta�s�cal programs strive to produce relevant, accurate, and objec�ve sta�s�cs while protec�ng 

par�cipant confiden�ality.

The collec�on of accurate SOGISC survey data, however, does present several measurement and 

methodological challenges. The compara�vely small, but growing, popula�on of LGBTQIA+ 

persons in the United States suggests that rela�vely small sampling or repor�ng errors can lead 

to significant errors in descrip�on and es�ma�on, requiring an emphasis on precision and 

accuracy in the measurement of SOGISC. Furthermore, the constructs of gender iden�ty and 
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sexual orienta�on are becoming more fluid in the United States and some of the terms used by 

individuals to describe themselves are changing at a rapid rate. Finally, gender and sexuality can 

be sensi�ve and poli�cized topics. The privacy and confiden�ality of respondents and 

respondent data must be handled with care.

3. Scope and Approach

The focus of this group will be to serve as an informa�on-sharing forum for topics rela�ng to the 

measurement of SOGISC on federal data collec�ons, such as surveys, administra�ve, and work 

force collec�ons. This interest group will work with the support of, and in collabora�on with, the 

FCSM Sexual Orienta�on, Gender Iden�ty, and Sex Characteris�cs (SOGISC) Subcommitee. 

The interest group shall meet on a bi-monthly basis. Addi�onal mee�ngs may be scheduled at 

the discre�on of the interest group chairs. Individual mee�ngs may be canceled at the 

discre�on of the interest group chairs, but the interest group shall strive to hold at least four 

mee�ngs per calendar year. 

At these mee�ngs, the format will generally include a presenta�on of federal or non-federal 

research or work relevant to the field of SOGISC measurement followed by an opportunity for 

interest group members to share informa�on (e.g., announcements, requests for informa�on, 

lessons learned, etc.). 

5. Sponsor 

The Federal Commitee on Sta�s�cal Methodology (FCSM). 

6. Communica�on 

1. The Co-Chairs will provide annual reports to the sponsor. 

2. The interest group will use MAX or other means (e.g., collabora�on site through FCSM). 

3. As needed, the interest group will plan presenta�ons to other FCSM or federal groups. 

7. Group members 

The interest group shall be directed by two Co-Chairs. The Co-Chairs shall be selected by the 

FCSM SOGISC Subcommitee Co-Chairs, subject to approval by the FCSM co-chairs. The interest 

group Co-Chairs’ terms shall be at the discre�on of the FCSM SOGISC Subcommitee and FCSM 

co-chairs.

The members of this group must be federal civil servants. However, contractors can provide 

briefings and par�cipate in specific mee�ngs and workshops. 
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Members will be familiar or interested in learning about SOGISC measurement. The group will 

facilitate conversa�on among experts in SOGISC measurement. 

Agencies can have more than one member in the group. Members do not represent their 

agency. 

FCSM CHAIR SIGNATURES

NAME SIGNATURE DATE

Bob Sivinski

Mark Prell