Data Visualization and Advocacy for Sexual and Gender Minority Health

Abstract

Data visualizations can be a powerful way to educate and advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Teaching data visualization concepts and data literacy skills around a specific topic can be particularly impactful. This paper presents an approach to data visualization and advocacy centered around the issue of sexual and gender minority health. Not only are we witnessing continuous attacks on LGBTQIA + rights in the United States, in the healthcare setting, the needs of LGBTQIA + patients are often not met due to the insufficient training of healthcare providers. There is a need to better understand the health challenges and barriers that sexual gender minority patients face, and to advocate for these patients both inside and outside of the healthcare setting. This paper explains some of these health challenges and barriers and offers a pedagogical approach for DEI advocacy that is based in critical map and data librarianship, and social justice advocacy. The article presents a lesson plan that combines data literacy and data visualization concepts with community needs assessments—such as walking and windshield surveys – thereby proposing a way for educators to advocate for marginalized people.