Census Unveils LGBT Public Service Announcements

clipped from www.hrcbackstory.org Procrastinators, take note! The Census Bureau has shifted into high gear in its efforts to count every person in the United States. To ensure that the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities are represented, Census officials will unveil six new public service announcements today featuring LGBT leaders. The six PSAs are already available on the Census Bureau’s YouTube page and at www.2010Census.gov. Speakers at today’s event include actor George Takei (Star Trek, Heroes) and his husband, Brad Altman, who appear together in a PSA. Another video features the Human Rights Campaign’s Harry Knox (embedded to the left), encouraging the LGBT community to “be yourself and be counted.” The Logo network will begin airing these videos today.

These PSAs come at a historic time for the Census Bureau. For the first time in 2010, the census will report counts of same-sex couples and spouses. Couples will be able to select “husband or wife” or “unmarried partner” on the form. Transgender people will be able to select the gender with which they identify, as well. The “Our Families Count” website provides comprehensive information that is targeted to LGBT people. If you haven’t already, fill out that census form and mail it in today!