2018 LGBTQ Community Needs Assessment

View the LGBTQ Community Needs Assessment Report

In 2018, the Alliance for Full Acceptance (AFFA) commissioned the first-ever LGBTQ community needs assessment for the Charleston Tri-County region (Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties). This landmark project aimed to:

  • Elevate LGBTQ+ voices, concerns, and lived experiences in our region

  • Inform AFFA’s program strategy with locally relevant data

  • Increase awareness and visibility among community leaders, service providers, and policymakers

Prior to this study, no dedicated research existed on the specific needs, strengths, and disparities faced by LGBTQ+ people in the Lowcountry.

About the Survey

Launched: August 2018

  • Total Respondents: 1,436 LGBTQ+ individuals

  • Focus Area: Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties

  • Partners: Conducted in collaboration with the College of Charleston and the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)

This comprehensive survey captured detailed insights into the demographics, healthcare access, housing stability, safety, discrimination, and overall well-being of LGBTQ+ residents.

Why this Matters

The findings from this needs assessment have been instrumental in shaping local policies, advocacy efforts, and support systems. It provides community stakeholders, researchers, and organizations with data to drive decision-making and address critical gaps in equity.