Quantitative data - and big data in particular - are often heralded as a “revolution”, something organisations need to engage with to “keep up” with the times. While collecting and analysing data can help challenge injustice, it can just as easily solidify and amplify current inequalities. Harms brought about by use, and overuse, of data are well documented. For LGBTQ+ communities, this includes the denial of our identities when confronted with restrictive categories for gender identity and sexual orientation on feedback forms. If QUEERCIRCLE is to engage in this type of data gathering, what are the ethical questions that come up? What should our response be? And when should (big) data be resisted instead?

In this project, Stef Garasto and PJ Annand use creative methods to begin exploring our answer to these questions, in particular by co-producing a ‘Data Manifesto’ with QUEERCIRCLE staff, artists and community partners. The manifesto’s goal is to define and guide QUEERCIRCLE’s approach to quantitative data collection and use, but also to hopefully help other LGBTQ+ organisations facing similar challenges.