Which data practice is essential for incorporating gender and sexuality considerations into health policy?

• A. Data aggregation by gender only
• B. Data disaggregation by gender and sexuality
• C. Data secrecy about gender identities
• D. Data collection only on age and income

Answer: (B)

Disaggregating data by gender and sexuality is essential because it reveals how health outcomes, access, and experiences vary across different identities, not just across broad male/female categories. Breaking data down into gender (including cisgender, transgender, non-binary) and sexual orientation (across the spectrum) lets policymakers detect disparities that aggregated numbers would obscure. This granularity supports targeted policies and interventions, ensures marginalized groups aren’t overlooked, and helps monitor progress toward equitable health access and outcomes.

Data disaggregation by gender and sexuality contrasts with collecting only by age and income, which misses the unique barriers or needs tied to gender identity and sexual orientation. It also contrasts with attempting to keep gender identities secret, which conceals important information, undermines trust, and prevents addressing inequities.