COVID-19: What does a global pandemic mean for vulnerable LGBTQ+ people?
There’s nothing like impending doom to make you realise just how fragile our society really is. For most of us, the last week has unfolded like a surreal dream, or a bad episode of Black Mirror. The French President has declared war on the coronavirus and here in the UK it is feeling very similar, with Boris Johnson acknowledging we have never seen anything like this in peace time. Unprecedented measures have now been put in place to stop the spread of the virus, schools are shutting, the European border has closed and most of the country is home on social-distancing orders. In times of crisis our kindness and empathy become more important than ever. Right now, it’s hard to say how this will unfold, but it’s safe to bet that the impact will be felt hardest by those most marginalised. What this means for LGBTQ+ people who are often disproportionately affected by social issues, is yet to be fully realised.
For those able to, working from home has become the new norm. However, working from home is a privilege that is not afforded to everyone. It’s estimated that up to 1 million people across Britain will lose their jobs as the Prime Minister urges everyone to stop non-essential social contact. With pubs, cafes and bars set for devastating loses, retailers preparing to cut back on hundreds of thousands of employees and those who are self-employed or in the gig-economy, Drag Queens included, having their income dry up in front of them. The impact this will have on our economy, across industries, is going to be unfathomable. On top of this, the true health implications of the virus across the nation are still unknown.
Last week, more than 100 LGBTQ+ groups signed an open letter addressing the heightened vulnerability of the queer community throughout this pandemic. LGBTQ+ people are 50% more likely to smoke and have higher rates of cancer and HIV, all of which could put them in increased danger as this pandemic plays out. Although Terrence Higgins Trust have issued a statement saying that those who are living with HIV and are on treatment, with an undetectable viral load, are not considered to be at risk. However, those with HIV who survived from before antiretroviral medication was available, might be. Dr Pete Mercher speaks of this risk, “These are folks that are also more likely to have diabetes or chronic obstructive airways disease, which are both concerns.” On top of this, 40% of people hospitalised by coronavirus have had cardiovascular disease, which is almost 2 times more common in those who are HIV positive. As a community which is disproportionately affected by HIV, LGBTQ+ people need to be looking out for one another and doing all we can to slow the spread of the virus.
As we know, the fight for trans rights is an ongoing uphill battle. With the country in such uncertain times, what will this means for those that are often denied basic liberties that the rest of us take for granted? Over one fifth of transgender adults live with one or more chronic conditions, this is substantially higher than the general population. This includes asthma and diabetes, which could put them at heightened risk if they contract COVID-19. Chronic illnesses are thought to be higher among trans people due to the discrimination and stigma they too often face when accessing healthcare services. This means they are less likely to seek medical help when they need it, this could quite obviously also prevent them asking for help throughout this crisis. Binding, a common practice for many trans people, may also cause complications when it comes to coronavirus. Jack Metcalfe and Amelia Arnold created a resource for trans people who bind, as “Binding while sick and coughing can cause fluid build-up in the lungs and extra complications, so it's important to look after yourselves.” Tips include avoiding binding if you have a cough or become sick and making sure to give yourself a break from binding at some point in the day. For the trans community, questions around binding and coronavirus may seem an obvious concern. However, other than this resource there is very little available answer these questions, a further reminder that their needs are too often left out of mainstream healthcare.
One part of a resource created by Jack Metcalfe and Amelia Arnold. Full resource can be found here.
It’s not just the added health and economic factors we need to be wary of, but as social distancing takes place, we need to ensure we're taking care of our mental health. It’s clear that limiting social interactions will help slow down the spread of COVID-19, a necessary step, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy. In fact, for many of us, this may come with severe consequences. We already know that LGBTQ+ people are disproportionately affected by poor mental health, with high levels of depression and anxiety. Not to mention, queer people are much more likely to experience feelings of loneliness and isolation. Whether we are ‘social distancing’ or ‘self-quarantining’, it’s going to be an experience that cuts us off from the outside world – the exact opposite of what health professionals usually advise to keep good mental health. Isolation in general is known to cause poor mental health and a study conducted by The University of Toronto on those in quarantine during the SARS outbreak revealed the extent of this. For those quarantined, 29% showed symptoms of PTSD and 31% experienced depression following isolation. Psychologist Frank McAndrew explains, “being quarantined gives one a sense of being at the mercy of other people and other uncontrollable forces such as an epidemic. This leads to a feeling of helplessness and uncertainty about the future that can be very unsettling… the experience can lead to negative emotions, and in extreme cases, a blurring of the boundaries between what is going on in one’s own mind and what is actually happening around you.” With 16 million people currently quarantined in Northern Italy alone, these are problems we are going to have to face on a global scale as events unfold. However, being aware of the impact isolation may have on our mental health, also means we can try to counteract it as it happens. Sue Firth, a UK psychologist advises that a sense of community and connection to others is vital in isolation and luckily, we have technology that can create connection from a distance. She urges that Skyping friends and staying in touch with those you love is essential, along with regular exercise and creative projects that can keep the mind active. Social distancing does not have to mean social isolation, with the use of technology to keep in touch.
Self-isolation is also only possibly if you have a safe home to do so in. For many of us, the home is safe haven, away from the chaos of the outside world – something that is appreciated more as the situation with coronavirus worsens. However, for many people across the UK this is not the case. For LGBTQ+ people, coming out is not always met with the love and understanding it should be. Your immediate family should be a source of love and support, but the sad truth is many families still reject and discriminate against their own blood. For many, this will mean that self-isolation could leave you trapped in a situation where you cannot be yourself and are living in fear of rejection, or worse, end up on the streets. It is estimated that a quarter of young homeless people identify as LGBTQ+ and 77% of these believe coming out to their family was the main reason. As LGBTQ+ people, our chosen families often offer refuge from a sometimes harsh world. It's important we continue to reach out to those who may be in compromised situations at home and do what we can to keep chosen families alive throughout the coming weeks.
For those LGBTQ+ people without a home, self-isolation is not possible for obvious reasons. Homeless people also tend to have a massively compromised immune systems, a direct result of sleeping on the streets, putting them at extensive risk of contracting coronavirus and needing medical intervention. Although the government is coughing up £3.2 million to support the homeless through this pandemic, The Museum of Homeless have said a £500 million hardship fund is needed. They have also pleaded that the government “block-book hotel rooms with a bathroom so [the homeless] can isolate”, this may seem extreme to some, but it is at our most difficult times that we should work hardest to protect those at the bottom. As many businesses prepare to go into hibernation, charities that support LGBTQ+ homeless people are working harder than ever. akt, a charity that works to support LGBTQ+ homeless youth, has promised that their services will move online where possible, and remain available throughout this crisis. They are also asking anyone who can to support them with a donation, so they can continue to support vulnerable LGBTQ+ people.
LGBTQ+ people have always known the importance of community and solidarity, with a mentality of togetherness having supported the community through times of hardship throughout history. It’s becoming clear, that right now, this is needed more than ever. It’s evident the effects of coronavirus on our community run deeper than a lack of Grindr dates, the cancellation of Eurovision and Prides postponed. In these unchartered times make sure you check in on your loved ones, ensuring their mental health is looked after as well as their physical health. Stay aware of how this may affect those most vulnerable, and if you’re in a privileged position, look for ways to help those that may not be so lucky.
Checkout our Top 10 Tips on working from home throughout the coronavirus outbreak.
