FAQ

The Swiss LGBTIQ+ Panel is led by Dr. Léïla Eisner (University of Lausanne) and Dr. Tabea Hässler (University of Zurich). It is a longitudinal study assessing the situation of LGBTIQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, and queer) individuals in Switzerland in an annual manner. The goal of the Swiss LGBTIQ+ Panel is to extend our understanding of how LGBTIQ+ individuals feel integrated into the Swiss society and how the situation is changing over time. Following people over time is important because we currently know very little about how peoples’ opinions and levels of satisfaction with their lives may change gradually over time or change rapidly in response to current events in society (extension of the anti-discrimination law, potential legalization of same-sex marriage). We believe that the insights of the Swiss LGBTIQ+ Panel have high practical relevance for LGBTIQ+ and cis-heterosexual individuals, people in the educational context, LGBTIQ+ and other non-profit organizations, practitioners, and policymakers aiming to promote the health and integration of LGBTIQ+ individuals.

LGBTIQ+ individuals all around the world still face prejudice, discrimination, and structural inequalities. So too in Switzerland, where a large majority of LGBTIQ+ individuals report an alarming rate of discrimination and rejection. In addition, LGBTIQ+ people in Switzerland face many legal inequalities. The situation is, however, rapidly changing. Due to these rapid changes, we initiated the Swiss LGBTIQ+ Panel which aims to assess and communicate about how LGBTIQ+ individuals’ health and feelings of inclusion in Switzerland are changing over time. The survey covers emerging topics in the Swiss context (e.g., legalization of same-sex marriage), personal experiences of LGBTIQ+ individuals (e.g., support, discrimination, coming out, experiences in the school context) as well as action to change the situation in Switzerland. We believe that these insights have high practical relevance.

Yes, you can find our fourth annual survey here. Send us an email if you are interested in participating in the next survey.

LGBTIQ+ individuals and cisgender heterosexual individuals living in Switzerland can participate in the survey.

By participating in this survey, you will be contributing to an ongoing research project that spans all of Switzerland. To be able to represent everyone reliably, we need as diverse and broad a range of participants as possible. Every single person in the study is incredibly important to us, as every single response can help to increase the reliability and accuracy of our conclusions. As a thank you, all participants will go into a draw for a voucher to the value of 300 CHF and two vouchers worth 100 CHF.

Please answer the questionnaire even if you think that your opinions are the same as last year or if you haven’t previously participated. This is very important, as we will not know which of your opinions have changed and which remain the same unless you also answer the questions this year too. We further try to reach individuals who have not been reached in the previous year. Please note that your responses are vital for keeping the project going and that your responses to this questionnaire will still provide extremely valuable information even if you might not be available to participate in the following years. Most people can complete the questionnaire in about 20-30 minutes. Some of the questions are of a sensitive nature and you are free to leave blank any questions that you do not feel comfortable answering.