Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI): A Tutorial on Ethical Data Practices
Ask about sexual orientation and gender identity only when you can promise privacy, inclusive options, and a clear reason.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Oda et al. (2025) wrote a how-to guide for asking clients about sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI).
They give step-by-step advice: keep answers anonymous, offer more than “male/female,” and tell clients why you need the data.
No experiment—just a checklist to stop BCBAs from accidentally hurting LGBTQ+ clients.
What they found
The paper does not report new data.
Instead, it warns that careless questions can re-traumatize people who already face rejection.
The big message: ask respectfully or don’t ask at all.
How this fits with other research
Abbott (2013) first told BCBAs to quit acting like ABA is only for kids and start tackling adult sexuality. Oda picks up that baton by showing exactly how to collect SOGI data without harm.
Lee et al. (2022) surveyed autistic adults and found they rarely get good sex-ed from peers. Oda’s privacy rules would make those clients safer if BCBAs step in to teach.
Cohen et al. (2018) showed most single-case studies skip social-validity checks. Oda quietly fixes the same gap—transparent, client-approved questions are social validity in action.
Why it matters
If you serve teens or adults, you will meet LGBTQ+ clients. Use the tutorial to rewrite your intake form this week: add “prefer not to say,” explain how answers improve care, and store data separately from names. Five minutes of editing can save a client from walking out the door.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
In the U.S., approximately 13 million individuals identify as part of a sexual and gender minority (SGM). This broad spectrum includes sexual orientation identities such as gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, pansexual, and same-gender-loving, as well as gender identities such as transgender, gender non-conforming, bigender, and two-spirit. As behavior analysts heed the call to engage in culturally competent practices that address diverse sexual orientation and gender identities (SOGI), they will likely consider collecting SOGI data as part of their practice. The benefits of SOGI data collection certainly exist. However, the historical oppression and increased vulnerability of SGM populations require a careful and thorough evaluation of ethical data collection practices to avoid harm and to ensure respectful and inclusive practices. The present tutorial aims to begin the discussion of ethical and effective SOGI data collection practices within behavior analysis by offering initial guidelines and considerations. We highlight methods that improve cultural sensitivity, and caution against traditional methods that could harm respondents or contribute to a non-inclusive environment.
Behavior Analysis in Practice, 2025 · doi:10.1007/s40617-024-01014-z