COVID-19 and the LGBTQ+ community: Rising to unique challenges

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, new challenges arise each day for people across the world. Some of these challenges particularly affect the LGBTQ+ community. This unique time calls for LGBTQ+-specific resources and new ways to connect and cope. Minority stress in the LGBTQ+ community Unrelated to COVID-19, this community faces minority stress based on anti-LGBTQ+ stigma that is harmful for their health and well-being (see key articles here and here). Those among us who are also racial/ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, immigrants, and people with low income may experience compounded minority stress at the intersections of these identities. For example, a person who is Black and bisexual may experience minority stress differently from someone who is White and gay, even though both of these people are LGBTQ+. LGBTQ+ Asian Americans may be experiencing even greater minority stress, due to increased discrimination against Asian Americans because the first COVID-19 outbreak was in China. Research has shown that minority stress harms the mental and physical health of LGBTQ+ people (see here and here). It contributes to higher risk for a number of health problems, including anxiety and depression, which may worsen due to the stress of COVID-19. New forms of stress for the LGBTQ+ community during the COVID-19 pandemic Loss of work and income. Compared with non-LGBTQ+ people, LGBTQ+ people are more likely to have lower income and to have jobs that do not allow for workin...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Anxiety and Depression Health Health care disparities Mental Health Source Type: blogs