Searching PRISM

All data files in the PRISM collection contain one or more variables related to the study of sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations. Some studies in the collection are focused on LGBTs or other SGM population groups. Typically, these studies are designed to sample and measure SGM population groups and characteristics in order to address a critical area of inquiry in LGBT health and social research. Other studies in the collection are designed for broader research purposes. Examples include large federal datasets, national and regional studies of health and social behavior and opinion research. Such studies are included in the PRISM collection when they include measures of sexual orientation, transgender-inclusive gender identity, same-sex sexual behavior, same-sex partnership, and/or attitudes towards SGMs.

Data holdings in PRISM (as with all of the ICPSR archives) are systematically assigned topical keyword classifications. For locating data sources in the PRISM by topic or health concern, we recommend searching the archive by keyword.

The PRISM archive contains additional classifications that provide users with the ability to browse the holdings by population subgroup. We also provide a list of collections that we recommend for student use. Each of the PRISM-specific classifications are described below.

Please note that these classifications are not exclusive; some datasets receive multiple classifications. For example, a study of LGBT people that included a heterosexual comparison group would receive multiple population subgroup classifications (lesbian/bisexual women, gay/bisexual men, transgender populations, and studies that include heterosexual populations).

The lesbian/bisexual women subgroup classification includes

• Studies with a research design that targeted lesbian, bisexual or other sexual minority women as at least one of the population subgroups recruited for the study

• Studies that have a focus on lesbian issues, female bisexuality, or same-sex sexuality as a theme (for example, studies that measure attitudes towards lesbians or towards homosexuals in general are included)

The lesbian/bisexual women classification does not include general population studies with sexual orientation measures. General population studies are classified under studies that include heterosexual populations.

The gay/bisexual men subgroup classification includes

• Studies with a research design that targeted gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men as at least one of the population subgroups recruited for the study

• Studies that have a focus on male homosexuality, bisexuality, or same-sex sexuality as a theme (for example, studies that measure attitudes towards gay men or homosexuals in general are included)

The gay/bisexual men classification does not include general population studies with sexual orientation measures. General population studies are classified under studies that include heterosexual populations.

The transgender populations subgroup classification includes

• Studies with a research design that targeted transgender people as at least one of the population subgroups recruited for the study

• Studies that are focused on LGBTs or same sex families when transgender participants can be identified in the dataset

• Studies that have a focus on transsexuality or transgenderism as a theme

The transgender populations classification does not include general population studies with a transgender identity measure. General population studies are classified under studies that include heterosexual populations.

The same-sex families and couples classification includes any data source for examining same-sex partnership, households, families, or couples.

Studies that include heterosexual populations include

• Studies that recruit LGBT populations as a target population but also include a heterosexual sample

• Surveys of the general population studies where respondents are asked a sexual orientation or gender identity-related question (for example, sexual identity, trans-inclusive gender identity, gender of sexual partners, or attitude towards LGBT people or issues)

Studies recommended for student use includes

• Collections that are specifically designed for students

• Studies that we recommend for analytic explorations of LGBT health issues at an introductory level; such studies cover a broad range of topics and contain several sexual minority variables and/or large sample sizes of sexual minorities