First-of-its-kind regional survey seeks 5,000+ respondents to build a data baseline for LGBTQ+ community needs.
The Houston Area L.O.V.E. Survey — LGBTQ+ Opinions, Voices & Experiences — is the first comprehensive, community-driven survey designed to establish a baseline understanding of LGBTQ+ life across the Greater Houston region.
Launched in February 2026 at the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Community Summit, the survey is a collaborative effort between three anchor organizations: the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University, and the Montrose Center. More than two dozen additional LGBTQ+ organizations across the region are partnering to amplify the survey and drive participation.
The confidential survey explores topics critical to the daily lives of LGBTQ+ Houstonians, including healthcare access, mental health, social connectedness, workplace culture, school experiences, financial security, housing stability, access to basic needs, and experiences with discrimination.
Why This Survey Matters
There is currently no comprehensive dataset on what LGBTQ+ residents of Greater Houston need, experience, or prioritize. As a result, the lived experiences and voices of LGBTQ+ people across our region are too often absent from the decisions that shape policy, funding, and community programming.
The L.O.V.E. Survey aims to change that by hearing from at least 5,000 LGBTQ+ residents across the region. Results will be used to:
- Uplift voices and perspectives from across the LGBTQ+ community and the Greater Houston region
- Connect findings to local leaders, community organizations, and members who can use this information to drive meaningful change
- Establish a repeatable baseline that can be tracked over time to measure progress
- Leverage other ongoing research by the Kinder Institute to deepen understanding of diverse communities in the Greater Houston area
The Partnership
The L.O.V.E. Survey is the result of a collaboration between the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, Kinder Institute for Urban Research and the Montrose Center. This partnership brings together deep community expertise, trusted research infrastructure, and broad business and advocacy networks.
Critically, more than two dozen LGBTQ+ organizations across the Greater Houston area are actively supporting the survey’s outreach and amplification efforts. This coalition ensures that the survey reaches LGBTQ+ Houstonians of every age, background, and identity — and that the results reflect the full diversity of our community.
The Kinder Institute was selected as the research partner for its trusted reputation, deep commitment to community-focused research approaches, and shared vision for using data to uplift communities. All research produced by the Kinder Institute is made freely available to the public at kinder.rice.edu/research.
How to Participate
The survey is fielded in two parts:
- Complete the Screener — A 2–3 minute form to confirm eligibility. Visit: https://riceuniversity.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_57qDzxo7wiC6j3w
- Receive Your Survey Link — If eligible, you will receive a secure link via email or text to complete the full 15–20 minute survey.
Eligibility requirements:
- 18 years of age or older
- Resides in the Greater Houston area (Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Galveston, Brazoria, Chambers, Liberty, or Waller County)
- Self-identifies as a member of the LGBTQ+ community
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is behind this survey?
A: The L.O.V.E. Survey is a partnership between the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University and the Montrose Center, and. More than two dozen additional LGBTQ+ organizations are collaborating to amplify the effort and maximize community participation.
Q: Why is this survey needed?
A: There is no existing comprehensive dataset on the needs, experiences, and priorities of LGBTQ+ residents in the Greater Houston area. This survey creates a data baseline that community leaders, policymakers, and organizations can use to make informed decisions and advocate for the resources our community needs.
Q: Is my data safe? Can my responses be traced back to me?
A: Yes, your data is safe. All responses are completely de-identified — your answers cannot be traced back to you. Data is stored on secure drives at Rice University, protected to the full extent of the law, and will never be sold. Responses are used exclusively for research purposes.
Q: Why do I need to provide my email or phone number after the screener?
A: After the screener confirms your eligibility, we ask for an email address or cell phone number so we can send you a secure link to the full survey. This also helps improve data quality by minimizing bots and malicious respondents. Your contact information is kept confidential and protected by Rice University.
Q: Who is eligible to take the survey?
A: The survey is open to adults (18+) who reside in the Greater Houston area — including Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Galveston, Brazoria, Chambers, Liberty, and Waller counties — and who self-identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Q: How long does the survey take?
A: The screener takes about 2–3 minutes. The full survey takes approximately 15–20 minutes to complete.
Q: Is the survey available in languages other than English?
A: Yes. The survey is available in both English and Spanish.
Q: Do I have to answer every question?
A: No. Questions on the screener are required to determine eligibility, but any question on the full survey can be skipped if you prefer not to answer.
Q: How will the results be used?
A: Results will be used to uplift voices and perspectives from across the LGBTQ+ community, connect findings to local leaders and community organizations, and establish a repeatable baseline that can be tracked over time. All research produced by the Kinder Institute is made freely available to the public.
Q: How many responses are you looking for?
A: The goal is to hear from at least 5,000 LGBTQ+ residents across the Greater Houston area. The more people who participate, the more representative and powerful the data will be.
Q: How can my organization help promote the survey?
A: Share the screener link with your networks, post on social media, include it in newsletters, and encourage community members to participate. For partnership inquiries or co-branded materials, contact [email protected].
Q: Where can I take the survey?
A: Start with the screener at: https://riceuniversity.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_57qDzxo7wiC6j3w