Over the last week social enterprise Queer Voices Heard, a dedicated LGBTQ+ community researcher, has been running a survey on how the Coronavirus (COVID-19) may impact the LGBTQ+ community over the coming weeks and months, these are thier findings from that research piece.MAJORITY OF LGTBQ+ PEOPLE LIVING IN THE UK THINK THEIR LIVES WILL BE WORSE OFF IN SIX MONTHS TIME DUE TO COVID-19.
- 57% OF LGBTQ+ PEOPLE FEEL THAT THEIR LIVES WILL BE WORSE OFF IN SIX MONTHS TIME AS A RESULT OF THE PANDEMIC.
- MAJORITY OF LGBTQ+ PEOPLE ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PANDEMIC WILL AFFECT THEIR DAY-TO-DAY LIVES – SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCING WAYS IN WHICH THE COMMUNITY CONNECTS AND EXPRESS IDENTITIES, SUCH AS ATTENDING PRIDE EVENTS, GOING TO LGBTQ+ VENUES, OR GOING TO THE GYM.
- HOWEVER, SOME SAY THEY WOULD STILL CONSIDER MEETING OTHERS IN OUR COMMUNITY FOR ACTIVITIES SUCH AS DATES (28%), LGBTQ+ EVENTS (24%), OR EVEN SEX / HOOK UPS (16%) DESPITE SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES BEING IN PLACE.
- LGBTQ+ PEOPLE LOOK TO SEXUAL HEALTH CHARITIES, LGBTQ+ CHARITIES, AND LGBTQ+ MEDIA TO CONTINUE TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF LGBTQ+ PEOPLE DURING THE PANDEMIC.
- LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY OVERWHELMINGLY SUPPORT PRIDE ORGANISERS IN CANCELLING OR POSTPONING EVENTS THIS SUMMER – BUT ALTERNATIVES MUST BE IN PLACE TO BRING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER OVER THE COMING MONTHS.
New insight released today (24.03.20) from social enterprise Queer Voices Heard, a dedicated LGBTQ+ community researcher, has found that the Coronavirus will have a significant social impact on an already vulnerable community.
Despite there being no evidence to suggest that LGBTQ+ people are any more likely to catch COVID-19 than the general population, LGBTQ+ people will face a unique set of circumstances that will mean that the virus will disproportionally affect the them socially.
KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTIONS OF COVID-19.
The majority of LGBTQ+ people (72%) are concerned about the impact catching Coronavirus will have on them. The research found that under a third (32%) of respondents are concerned about how COVID-19 might have a negative impact on their physical health because of existing medical conditions, whilst just over a quarter (28%) are concerned about passing it on to others, such as a vulnerable spouse, relative, or friend.
We also found that knowledge of Coronavirus is high within the LGBTQ+ community as a result of the continued widespread news coverage. Just over four in five (84%) respondents have at least ‘a fair amount’ of knowledge, and around nine in ten (91%) respondents believe the virus is a threat to their health. In addition, those aged 65+ consider the virus as more of a threat than younger people.
IMPACT ON DAY TO DAY LIFE
The research suggests that the majority of LGBTQ+ people acknowledge that Coronavirus will impact their normal day-to-day lives. Whilst the majority of respondents say that they will stop doing certain activities, therefore listening to the official advice on social distancing measures, the research found that at the time of asking some would still consider doing the following: going to LGBTQ+ events such as house parties and meet-ups (24%), or going on dates (28%), or meeting for sex / hook-ups (16%).
At a time where the UK Government continues to call for stringent social distancing and are exploring stronger ways to enforce this, it’s clear more needs to be done to communicate the importance of social distancing measures to support the efforts of flattening the curve.
PRIDES ARE RIGHT TO CANCEL – BUT SOMETHING ELSE MUST BE IN ITS PLACE.
There is overwhelming support from the LGBTQ+ community in the decision of Pride organisers to cancel Pride events this summer. The research found that three quarters (75%) of respondents support the decision to cancel or postpone Pride events; but something else must be put in its place.
With Pride events offering many in the LGBTQ+ community with the opportunity to connect with others, express their identity freely, and explore equality issues that face the LGBTQ+ people, many respondents said that Pride organisers must urgently explore alternatives. At a global, regional, and grassroots level, LGBTQ+ people are looking to Pride organisers – as well as those brands, organisations, and institutions who financially support their events – to replace physical Prides with online or televised events, or a series of steamed activities.
Stu Hosker, Co-Founder Queer Voices Heard, comments:
“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.”
LEADERSHIP AND THE FUTURE.
Whilst responsibility lies with government, several other key players and organisations have a role to play in protecting the interests of LGBTQ+ people during this pandemic. The research found that 88% of respondents believe the UK Government has a responsibility for healthcare advice and support over the coming months, but around three quarters believe Sexual Health Clinics (76%), Healthcare Charities (75%), and LGBTQ+ Media (75%) have a key role to play.
In addition, we found that over half (57%) of respondents think that their lives will be worse off in six months’ time. This sense of pessimism about the future is consistent across all gender and sexual identities. This indicates an opportunity for both the community, and those that are committed to serving the interests of LGBTQ+ people, to work together to supports those who are most vulnerable physically and mentally over the coming months.
Max Willson lead researcher on this study, comments:
“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 health, mental health, the relationships that we have with others, and our way of life. 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.”
This quantitative study was funded and administered by Queer Voices Heard. Between the 13 – 20 March 2020, 900 people who identified as LGBTQ+ completed an online questionnaire about their experiences and perceptions of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). People were targeted based on whether they identified as LGTBQ+ with a screener question about sexuality used to identify an LGTBQ+ sample. Attempts were made to ensure a wide spread of demographics including genders and sexualities.
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