The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the LGBTQ2+ Community
By: Admin Team
As we continue to experience the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to recognize the communities that have been disproportionately affected by the virus. Research suggests that about 74% of the LGBTQ2+ community reported high levels of worry and stress due to the pandemic, which had negative implications on their mental health (Dawson et al., 2021). This is contrasted with 49% of non-LGBTQ2+ people that indicated high rates of worry and stress related to COVID-19 (Dawson et al., 2021). Due to the continuous lockdowns and stay-at-home orders, LGBTQ2+ individuals were faced with the task to reside with potentially homophobic and transphobic parents, roommates, and family members. It is without a doubt that the lack of external support had dangerous implications on their mental health and wellbeing. Prior to the pandemic, LGBTQ2+ adults were at higher risk of social isolation, furthering the harmful effects of COVID-19 (Samuels, 2020). By celebrating Pride 2021, we must continue to educate ourselves on the challenges that the LGBTQ2+ community faces.
What can we do to educate ourselves?
Pride at Work Canada has put together a virtual ProPride 2021 experience filled with both free and member-only events. See below for a list of the free events.
Beyond Diversity Towards Dignity- Wednesday, June 23 from 12 pm- 1:30 pm EDT
Beyond Equity Towards Justice- Wednesday, July 14 from 12 pm- 1:30 pm EDT
Towards Belonging, Dignity and Justice (French)- Wednesday, August 11 from 12 pm- 1:30 pm EDT
Please visit ProPride to register for these events and more information.
To the LGBTQ2+ community, we know the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significantly negative impact on you, and we are here to help. We have put together a list of helpful resources that specialize in assisting LGBTQ2+ youth and adults. Please see the list below.
LGBTQ2+ Youth Line
Call Toll-Free: 1.800.268.9688 / In the Toronto Area: 416.962.9688
Text: 647.694.4275
Kids Help Phone
If you are in crisis:
Trans Lifeline
1-877-330-6366
The Trevor Project
1-866-844-7386
References
Dawson, L., Kirzinger, A., & Kates, J. (2021, March 11). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on LGBT people. KFF: Filling the need for trusted information on national health issues. https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/poll-finding/the-impact-of-the-covid-19-pandemic-on-lgbt-people/
Samuels, M. (2020, June 12). A snapshot of how COVID-19 is impacting the LGBTQ community. BU Today. https://www.bu.edu/articles/2020/how-covid-19-is-impacting-the-lgbtq-community/