Click and be counted

First of its kind LGBT survey goes online in Central Ohio this week

by Eric Resnick

Columbus--Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender central Ohioans can start getting counted this week when a census conducted by four agencies goes on line.

The study, which is being conducted by the United Way of Central Ohio, the Legacy Fund, Stonewall Columbus and the Columbus AIDS Task Force, will help the groups design culturally competent community services to meet the needs of the LGBT population. It is believed to be the first study of its kind in the nation.

The agencies are measuring the availability of current services and learning where there are service gaps in Franklin County and its mostly rural neighboring counties: Delaware, Licking, Fairfield, Pickaway, Madison and Union.

Some of the current and future services measured include housing, elder care, youth services, health care, child care and counseling.

People taking the survey will answer approximately 80 questions, depending on the responses, covering topics including spirituality, current services they use, athletics, community agencies they are involved with, and charitable giving habits.

Respondents can be anonymous.

The survey will run from January 25 through April 15 at www.glbtcensus.com.

Results are expected to be reported in June.