On this page: About the National Data | Methodology | History
About the National Data
Data
Baseline: 26 states (including DC and territories) used the standard module on sexual orientation and gender identity in the BRFSS in 2016
Target: 55 States (including DC and Territories)
Methodology
Questions used to obtain the national baseline data
BRFSS Module on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
The next two questions are about sexual orientation and gender identity.
INTERVIEWER NOTE: We ask this question in order to better understand the health and health care needs of people with different sexual orientations.
INTERVIEWER NOTE: Please say the number before the text response. Respondent can answer with either the number or the text/word.
- Do you consider yourself to be: (582)
- Straight
- Lesbian or gay
- Bisexual
- Other
- Don't know/Not sure
- Refused
- Do you consider yourself to be transgender? (583)
- Yes, Transgender, male-to-female
- Yes, Transgender, female to male
- Yes, Transgender, gender nonconforming
- No
- Don't know/not sure
- Refused
Please read:
Do not read:
If yes, ask "Do you consider yourself to be 1 male-to-female, 2 female-to-male, or 3 gender non-conforming?"
INTERVIEWER NOTE: Please say the number before the "yes" text response. Respondent can answer with either the number or the text/word.
INTERVIEWER NOTE: If asked about definition of transgender:
Some people describe themselves as transgender when they experience a different gender identity from their sex at birth. For example, a person born into a male body, but who feels female or lives as a woman would be transgender. Some transgender people change their physical appearance so that it matches their internal gender identity. Some transgender people take hormones and some have surgery. A transgender person may be of any sexual orientation – straight, gay, lesbian, or bisexual.
INTERVIEWER NOTE: If asked about definition of gender non-conforming:
Some people think of themselves as gender non-conforming when they do not identify only as a man or only as a woman.
Methodology notes
The topic area workgroup will annually review BRFSS for their use of the standard module for sexual orientation and gender identity in the instrument.
History
In 2023, the baseline was revised from 21 states (including DC and territories) in 2016 to 28 states (including DC and territories) in 2016, due to additional information and a reassessment. The target-setting method was revised from percent improvement to maintain consistency with national programs, regulations, policies, or laws. The target was revised from 25 states (including DC and territories) to 55 states (including DC and territories).