Last week, California lawmakers passed a bill that would launch a pilot program focused on tracking the gender identity and sexual orientation of victims of violent deaths. The bill, which was approved overwhelmingly by both chambers, now heads to the desk of Gov. “There is a lack of understanding about the relationship between risk of violent death, such as suicide or homicide, and an individual’s sexual orientation and gender identity,” the bill’s text reads. “This is because, unlike veteran status or ethnicity, the sexual orientation and gender identity of deceased individuals are only captured in special circumstances. “We must have better data to understand the scope of what’s happening in our LGBTQ community — especially among the youth — when it comes to violent deaths, including homicide and suicide.

Source: MetroXpress September 10, 2021 19:07 UTC