Identifying LGBTQ2S+ candidates: comparing three approaches

In this research note, we compare three approaches to identifying LGBTQ2S+ candidates: candidate surveys, published lists of LGBTQ2S+ candidates, and systematic searches of each candidate running. Using the case of Canadian federal election candidates for 2019–2021, we show that about 10 percent of out LGBTQ2S+ candidates are missing from published lists. Systematic individual candidate searches are necessary to find these missing candidates. These missing candidates differ systematically from those on published lists, and analyses that do not include them risk underestimating barriers facing LGBTQ2S+ candidates. As work on LGBTQ2S+ candidates expands, we encourage other researchers to adapt to other contexts our procedure of individual candidate searches. Although this approach is time intensive, we argue it is worthwhile both methodologically and normatively.