The South Carolina LGBT Needs Assessment: A Descriptive Overview

Abstract

Limited quantitative information exists about the demographics and needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in South Carolina, a predominately rural Southern state. Responses to a needs assessment survey (n = 715) were analyzed to understand the diversity and needs of members of the LGBT community in SC. The purpose was to inform future programming and guide the development of a more comprehensive portfolio of services to be offered by a local LGBT community center. Findings suggest that a diverse LGBT community exists in SC and needs include increased programming for community members as well as efforts to provide policy-level support and increased acceptability and understanding of LGBT persons in South Carolina.

KEYWORDS:

• lesbian
• gay
• bisexual
• transgender
• needs assessment
• community needs

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors would like to acknowledge Dr. Lisa L. Lindley and Santi Thompson for their contributions to the research and study design. We would also like to thank the community members and organizations that assisted in this study through providing insight and input on the survey instrument and for assistance with participant recruitment.