Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce Joins NGLCC and Affiliate Chambers Across the Country in Urging U.S. Census Bureau to Consider Economic Impact of Proposed Demographic Data Restrictions

HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 13, 2026)  – The Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce has joined the National LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) and fellow affiliate chambers nationwide in a letter to the U.S. Census Bureau expressing concern about a proposed regulation that would prohibit the collection of sexual orientation and gender identity information through population enumeration questionnaires.

The chambers are urging the Census Bureau to demonstrate that alternative sources can provide comparable quality, reliability, and economic value before adopting a categorical restriction on future data collection.

The letter emphasizes that accurate demographic information plays an important role in helping businesses understand consumer markets, identify growth opportunities, make investment decisions, and support economic development in communities across the country.

“Reliable data is a critical tool for businesses of every size,” said Tammi Wallace, Co-Founder, President & CEO of the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce. “Whether an entrepreneur is identifying new customers, considering expansion, or evaluating market opportunities, access to meaningful information can make a real difference. We’re proud to stand with NGLCC and fellow chambers to ensure these economic considerations are part of the discussion.”

A Significant Economic Impact

The letter cites research conducted by the WIPP Education Institute, identifying approximately $193 billion in annual business activity influenced by sexual orientation data.

“I want to thank Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce for joining NGLCC and affiliate chambers across the country in making our collective voice heard on this important issue,” said Justin Nelson, Co-Founder and President of NGLCC. “For LGBTQ+ people, being counted matters. It means being seen, recognized, and better understood in the communities where we live, work, and build businesses. Accurate demographic data is also essential to understanding our economic contributions, identifying opportunities, and helping businesses and communities thrive. By standing together, we’re reinforcing a simple but powerful message: Our communities count, our businesses count, and the information that reflects their contributions matters.”

Businesses rely on demographic information for market research, advertising, workforce analysis, consumer engagement, and strategic planning. The chambers note that the quality of these insights can be particularly important in local and regional markets, where existing surveys may offer less precise information about smaller populations.

The proposed regulation could permanently eliminate the possibility of establishing a decennial population benchmark for sexual orientation and gender identity, even though the comparability of existing alternative data sources has not been demonstrated.

Supporting Local Businesses and Economic Opportunity

For the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, participation in the national letter reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening local businesses, and ensuring business leaders have access to the information needed to make informed decisions.

“Our members contribute to the economic vitality of the Houston region every day,” added Tammi Wallace.  “They create jobs, serve customers, and invest in our communities. Ensuring access to reliable market information is an important part of helping those businesses succeed.”

The chambers are calling on the Census Bureau to address several important questions before finalizing the proposed rule, including whether existing federal surveys and commercial datasets can provide comparable information, what testing has demonstrated about data collection and confidentiality, and how a census-scale benchmark could benefit businesses, researchers, and policymakers.

The letter does not call for immediate adoption of new census questions. Instead, it advocates an evidence-based evaluation of whether restricting future data collection would result in a loss of valuable economic information.

A United Voice for Business

By joining affiliate chambers across the country, the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce is helping elevate the importance of reliable demographic data as a tool for business development, economic analysis, and informed decision-making.

The participating chambers collectively represent thousands of LGBTQ+-owned businesses and allied companies nationwide.

The full letter is available here: https://www.nglcc.org/decennialcensusofthepopulation

About Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce

Founded in 2016, the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce is celebrating 10 years of advancing LGBTQ+ economic inclusion across the Greater Houston region. Through intentional partnerships, advocacy and community engagement, the Chamber connects business and community to expand opportunity, strengthen visibility and build an economy where everyone belongs. Learn more at www.houstonlgbtqchamber.com.  

About NGLCC

The National LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) is the national business organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities for LGBTQ+ and allied businesses and entrepreneurs. Through its national network of affiliate chambers, corporate partnerships, and business development programs, NGLCC works to strengthen businesses and expand economic opportunities across the country. Learn more at www.nglcc.org.  

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