Culmination findings from surveys have revealed a range of ways in which the Covid-19 crisis is impacting LGBT communities in the UK. Paul Martin reports.
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the lives of everyone in the UK. While the impact that the crisis is having on certain minority groups has been more widely recognized (LGBT) communities have been absent from much of the narrative.
This report seeks to readdress this lack of information and recognition and demonstrate why it is essential to consider the specific needs of LGBT communities during, and beyond the pandemic.
1.The Impact of the Virus
Due to a lack of routine sexual orientation and trans status monitoring it is likely that the that number of LGBT people who die from Covid-19 in the UK will never be known.
2. Mental Health
The Covid-19 crisis is causing significant stress, anxiety, isolation, financial uncertainty and disruption to support services. WHO has warned of a global mental health crisis that needs to be addressed urgently.
3. Isolation
Isolation Social distancing measures mean that many of us feel more isolated than ever. A significant number of LGBT people said that increased isolation was one of their top three concerns related to the crisis.
4. Substance Misuse
LGBT Foundation’s substance misuse team found that boredom and loneliness are the two most common triggers for relapsing, so for many with substance misuse issues, lockdown is an incredibly challenging time.
5. Eating Disorder
Disordered eating habits particularly affect LGBT communities. Disruption to routines, lack of access to usual support, reduced activity levels are all contributing factors to worsening these kinds of conditions.
6. Safety
LGBT Foundation’s helpline has seen a huge increase in calls about discrimination. One reason why people do not feel safe is that they are isolating at home with people who are homophobic, biphobic or transphobic.
7. Financial Impact
The crisis is having a more profound effect on people in lower socio-economic groups, with lower paid people more likely to be hit by the economic consequences of the crisis.
8. Homelessness
LGBT people are disproportionately more likely to be homeless during the crisis. This makes them more vulnerable to Covid-19 due to poor health, as they are less likely to be able to self-isolate effectively.
9. Access to Healthcare
LGBT people face negative experiences when accessing healthcare, including discrimination, and having to deal with inappropriate questions or unwarranted curiosity about their identity.
10. Accessing Support
Ensuring LGBT communities receive the appropriate support to meets their specific needs is fundamental in mitigating the disproportionate effects of the pandemic. They must have access to an LGBT specific support service.
There have been a number of examples of new initiatives that aim to support LGBT communities during this crisis.
Paul Martin is the Chief Executive of LGBT Foundation.
 communities has been absent from much of the narrative...){kind=link}