Collecting Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Data in New York
In 2023, NYS passed Executive Law Section 170-g, a law that requires state agencies to capture (to the extent practicable) sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data in all places where the agency currently collects ancestry and ethnic origin data from customers interacting with the agency. Until agencies comply, they must provide periodic updates about the implementation status of adding SOGI fields to data collection tools.
This page provides a brief progress report on NYSDOL’s work toward implementing the collection of SOGI data. Customer data collected through the Unemployment Insurance (UI) System as well as in Career Centers through customer intake forms are subject to SOGI data collection under this law.
The progress statement will be updated every six months. The next update will be posted by November 1, 2026.
Currently, NYSDOL’s UI System, through which customers are able to apply for and manage their benefits, is undergoing a multi-year upgrade that prevents the Department from updating the system to include new questions regarding sexual orientation and gender identity. At this time, the system design and development stages of the UI upgrade project are complete. NYSDOL, along with the Office of Information and Technology Services (ITS) as well as the vendor contracted by NYSDOL to update the system, are leading an extensive testing process to ensure that it performs properly and meets all necessary security requirements. NYSDOL will explore incorporating SOGI data collection questions after the UI System upgrade has successfully launched and the Department, along with ITS, has determined it can be safely updated.
In addition to our UI system, NYSDOL collects customer demographic information through our Office of Workforce Development. While UI customers make up a significant portion of customers served by our Career Centers, they do not exclusively serve individuals captured by the UI system. The Department is working closely with ITS and vendors for our workforce systems to complete SOGI related updates.
Funded by U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration
This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration.