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 all our data collection as our lives are changing.

Everything we knew about the health and safety of LGBTQIA+ people is already out of date. We need to catch up, fast.

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.

Results in early 2026

  • It is tuned to capture things changing now.
  • All scientific elements will be done for free by volunteers.
  • Info on how our families, allies, and workforce are doing in this special time.

Become a partner

  • Partners will be given weekly promotional materials for the 12 weeks the survey is open
  • Push them to your people to try to get local respondents.
  • This will be the basis for the local data sheet we will give back to you.
  • Use that information to help our communities right now.

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

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.

Full Report

Complete national findings from 2,728 LGBTQI+ survivors.

BIPOC Report

Focused insights from 387 Black, Latinx, Multiracial, Asian, and other respondents of color.

Gender-Expansive Report

Experiences of trans, nonbinary, and gender-diverse survivors.

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.”