OUT Surveys
At a time when federal LGBTQIA+ research and surveillance is being terminated, we’re not letting that stop us from getting the data community organizations need to show how we’re being affected.
So, we’ve launched OUT: The Community Survey to measure changes in LGBTQIA+ health since January 2025.
OUT Surveys: Data by us, for us
OUT Surveys is our home for community-powered research, pairing the landmark National Cancer Survey with a new Community Survey. Built by and for LGBTQIA+ people to drive better care, policy, and support.
The Community Survey
A historic response to a historic threat.
They terminated our data collection as our lives are changing.
We surveyed thousands of LGBTQIA+ community members and their loved ones to learn how political determinants of health are impacting us in 2025 and beyond. Folks spoke up from all 50 U.S. states and a total of 45 countries to let us know how they were doing.
Why Now?
Our communities are being targeted
- Anti-trans ads were the largest single Republican ad purchase during the past election cycle.
- Increased federal targeting has unleashed more everyday discrimination.
- As one result, more of us are trying to move to friendlier states, or even another country.
Feds have terminated our data collection
- Online datasets were yanked down for having LGBTQIA+ data.
- Court reinstated datasets were changed, reassigning gender as ”sex”.
- Waves of terminations cancelled ALL LGBTQIA+ focused federal research.
SURVEY TOPICS:
Mental health
Stress
Social determinants
Physical health
Social integration
Risk behaviors
Family impacts
Access to care
Plans to move
Optimism
SPECIAL MODULES:
HIV
Cancer
Caregiving
Queer Workforce
…and more
Our Methods
The study was administered online using Qualtrics XM Platform between November 10, 2025 and February 28, 2026. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of Utah. Participants were recruited mostly through social media posts, and completed the survey using their own devices. Participation was voluntary and uncompensated. Respondents could either participate anonymously or choose to give an email address for future follow-up contact.
The survey was completed by 7,858 participants in all 50 states and multiple international locations, representing a wide range of demographics.
The Cancer Survey
We believe the only thing a cancer survivor should have to worry about is getting better. No one should feel scared about being treated differently because of who’s holding their hand as they wait for the doctor to arrive.
3x
More likely to say care felt less welcoming after disclosing LGBTQI+ identity (Black & Multiracial vs White).
87%
Post-treatment care plans did not include LGBTQI+ resources.
40%
Delayed screenings/treatment during COVID (highest among Latinx/Multiracial).
Read the Reports
The OUT Survey compiles experiences from 2,700+ LGBTQI+ cancer survivors, translating lived realities into clear, actionable insights.
Watch the Launch Videos
Main Launch Event
BIPOC Launch Video
Gender-Expansive Launch Video
About the Cancer Survey
OUT: The National Cancer Survey listened to LGBTQIA+ cancer survivors so providers and systems know what works and what must change. Every story helps make care safer and more welcoming.
100+ partners
Sept 2020–Mar 2021
~ 30 minutes
In Their Words
“It’s been overwhelming with the world, at large, all of a sudden caring about the well-being of people. Yet, I as a cancer survivor seem to still be left out of the equation. Emotionally, mentally, financially, socially… it has been extremely sad.”
