WE NEED YOUR HELP!

How many LGBT people are there in New York State, and how many reside here in Buffalo? What are the challenges facing LGBT individuals and families across the state and in Western New York?

We don’t know. Why? No one has ever asked us.

LGBT people remain the only recognized category of individuals who have not had data collected on them through a census or full-scale needs assessment. This must change if we are to create healthy communities and increase services to LGBT New Yorkers. That is why an LGBT statewide needs assessment is vital to conduct and your duty to take part in.

This month, the New York State LGBT Health & Human Services Network, coordinated by Empire State Pride Agenda and co-chaired by Bryan Whitley-Grassi of the Pride Center of Western New York, is conducting New York’s first statewide LGBT needs assessment. It only takes a few minutes to fill out the survey and make sure that you are counted and your needs are addressed by lawmakers, policy experts, and state funders.

Please take the time to fill out the survey online at www.nylgbtsurvey.org, or stop by the Pride Center, where a member of staff will be happy to assist you in completing the form. The information you provide will go toward fighting for policy changes and funding to make services to LGBT people in New York equitable and affirmative. This survey is open to all LGBT New Yorkers ages 18 and over.

Plus, you can enter for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card with your completed survey! Information provided for the raffle will be confidential and not linked to your survey responses. Our goal is to reach as many LGBT adults as possible to assist us in demonstrating the needs of our communities and the numbers of people who are seeking LGBT-affirmative healthcare.

For more information or to receive paper surveys, e-mail Somjen Frazer Consulting at consulting@somjenfrazer.com.