New Survey Reveals That 57% Of LGBT+ People Think Their Lives Will Be Worse Off Due To Coronavirus
A new survey conducted by ‘Queer Voices Heard’ reveals that 57% of the LGBT+ community believe their lives will be negatively affected in the next six months by the coronavirus outbreak, as reported by ‘Gay Times’.
At the same time, 32% of the LGBT+ community fears about the impact the virus will have on their physical health because of existing medical conditions, 28% are worried about passing it to others and 91% believe it is a threat to their health. Those aged 65+ consider the virus more of a threat to them than in younger people. In total, 84% said they have a “fair amount” of knowledge about the pandemic.
The survey also revealed that, despite the current lockdown measures, 24% of the LGBT+ community will still attend house parties, 28% will go on dates and 16% will meet for hookups.
Co-founder of ‘Queer Voices Heard’, Stu Hosker, said: “Whilst LGBTQ+ people are no more likely to get COVID-19 than the general population, this pandemic does present a unique set of circumstances for our community in terms of its social impact.
“We are already seeing many Pride events being cancelled. These aren’t parties. Yes, they’re a celebration; but for many in our community they are one of very few opportunities to freely express who they are and to connect with others.
“Similarly, with LGBTQ+ venues, queer meet-up events and networks, and even meeting others on dating apps.
“When mental health and social isolation already disproportionately affects our community than the general population, it’s vital that we listen to the voices in our community who are most vulnerable – physically, mentally, and socially – and address how we keep their best interests in mind during this unprecedented health emergency.”
Max Willson, lead researcher on the study, said there is a “genuine fear within the LGBTQ+ community, which is shared more widely in society, that COVID-19 poses a real threat” to our physical and mental health and “way of life”.
He elaborated: “The way we live our lives will undoubtedly change because of COVID-19 and the way in which our community, and society more generally, adapts to these changes will be key over the next six months.
“People believe it is the responsibility of a plethora of individuals (notably government, healthcare organisations and LGBTQ+ media) to lead the way forward during this turbulent time.”
So far, coronavirus has taken the lives of more than 19,000 people worldwide.
Read related myGwork articles here:
Why The LGBT+ Community Has A Higher Risk Of Getting The Coronavirus
COVID-19: What does a global pandemic mean for vulnerable LGBTQ+ people?
EuroPride And More Pride Events Cancelled Because Of COVID-19
London Pride Postponed Because Of Coronavirus
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