Gay or Straight- Does It Really Matter?

SOURCE: https://stopthewaronchildren.files.wordpress.com

The LGBT community is often studied by academics but it is among the least understood. 

Summary:

In the article, author Larry Gordon writer for the LA Times, discusses the new voluntary poll that attempts to estimate the size of LGBT populations and whether or not they are receiving equal care. Later in the article, the author poses important questions on not only how the data will be appropriately used, but also whether or not it is ethical to ask these individuals about their orientation.

Important Passages:

“Christopher Ward, Block's chief of staff, said the law was partly inspired by a UC report showing that gay students had much higher rates of depression than their peers and more often felt disrespected on campus. The questions will provide insights about "the unique and specific needs LGBT students have for their safety and educational assistance," Ward said. State Sen. Tom Harman (R-Huntington Beach), who voted against the bill, said: "It is an invasion of privacy." He added that the information might be improperly used and wrongly divulged.”

• Analysis
• I think that this law if vital in advancing the equal treatment of LGBT people. Without a survey or poll like this, it would be difficult to discover the needs of this community. As an ally of this community I simply want equality and for they to feel the same safety and inclusion that I do. As for the second part of the quote, the Republican State Senator, I think that because the poll is voluntary you are signing off this information to these universities. I think there is always a chance of things being wrongly divulged, unfortunately not everyone is honorable. 

"It would be useful to know if we are underserving the population," said Jesse Bernal, the UC system's interim diversity coordinator. In addition, giving students the opportunity to answer such questions, he added, "sends a positive message of inclusiveness to LGBT students and creates an environment that is inclusive and welcoming of diverse populations.

• Analysis
• I think this quote describes the exact need for this poll. I would love to see it across the United States in colleges. At the same time if this were applied in the workplace it could cause discrimination especialy in private companies. Then again I have to remind my choice that it is all voluntary. But would you really want to hide from yourself from the world. I feel like it’s very the motive for this law is great for an increase in equality, but at the same time could equally cause an unwanted issue.

Questions:

Is it ethical to ask someone's sexual identity?

How would these records be kept? (Who would have access)