Although government surveys collect significant amounts of data about the U.S. population, these surveys have historically excluded demographic questions about the LGBTQ population. As a result, official population data may misrepresent the LGBTQ community, resulting in biased or insufficient policies. This article is the first in a series on citizen engagement and the LGBTQ community. The series will consider policies such as voter identification and election law, voter engagement, bipartisan LGBT policymakers and policies, and LGBTQ diversity in the workforce.