SOGIE Data Project

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) – Husky SOGIE Data Collection Animation Video Release

In 2025, the Rainbow Center (RC) was one of five higher education institutions in the United States awarded a grant by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) to improve the ethical collection and use of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) data at their respective institutions. The grant was named the Husky SOGIE Data Collection Project, and Kelsey O’Neil, Director of the Rainbow Center, served as the Principal Investigator (PI). Director O’Neil worked with a group of collaborative leaders representing many departments and expertise on UConn’s campus. In addition to other notable objectives, the project conducted five focus groups with LGBTQIA+ students to gather perspectives on their experiences at UConn. Dr. Angela Weeks was instrumental in creating an animation video to share vital information in a unique format. Thank you to everyone who gave input along the way, and thank you to the American Association for the Advancement of Science. 

Check out the video here or below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iS7jB1tqMXo

Read the initial press release here: Five Postsecondary Institutions Receive Funding to Improve Collection and Use of SOGI Data | American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) 

Husky SOGIE Data Project Promotional Video

 

 

SOGIE Poster Campaign

 

 

Contact the Rainbow Center to request posters for your office!

Image displays sample Poster 1a of the Poster Campaign. Text on the poster says, "What is Sogie Data? Data about Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression. Why does this data matter? Students who identify as LGBTQIA+ are 54% more likely than their peers to be uncertain about their post-graduation plans. Quick Fact: More than 1 in 4 UConn students identify as LGBTQIA+."
General "What is SOGIE Data?" Poster
Image displays sample Poster 1b of the Poster Campaign. Text on the poster says, "What is Sogie Data? Data about Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression. Why does this data matter? LGBTQ graduate students are 62% less likely to have financial support from parents or families to cover their educational expenses. Quick Fact: More than 1 in 4 UConn students identify as LGBTQIA+."
Graduate Student-Focused "What is SOGIE Data?" Poster
Image displays sample Poster 2 of the Poster Campaign. Text on the poster says, "Sogie Data in Higher Ed. By collecting SOGIE data, we can better understand and support the unique needs of our LGBTQIA+ students. What Gets Measured, Matters." Poster then goes on to list 4 ways Sogie Data matters in Higher Education. "Advocate for equity-driven educational policies. Proactively allocate resources for greater impact. Align goals with university strategic plan. Make intentional, data-informed decisions."
"SOGIE Data in Higher Ed." Poster
Image displays sample Poster 3 of the Poster Campaign. Text on the poster says, "Sogie Data Best Practices" and lists 4 practices. "1, Include write-in options for self-identification in addition to standardized options/categories. 2, Include write-in options for self-identification in addition to standardized options/categories. 3, Choose systems that allow users to update their identities. 4, Always make it optional!"
"SOGIE Data Best Practices" Poster