LGBTQ: Vulnerable during the pandemic

I wanted to publish this story a month ago but I do not possess enough information to tackle an issue so sensitive even for myself.

Let me start with the question of how I am surviving this pandemic. I do not have a very specific answer, but I am thankful to be alive despite the scare that comes with my job as a nurse. COVID-19 is no joke, for people who think this is UN inside job and it is a means of depopulating the entire world, you are so wrong. It frustrates me as to why people have that conspiracy thinking wherein so many people are so vulnerable during this time. In particular, the LGBTQ community. I have read so many articles about the impact of this pandemic to the LGBTQ population.

Marginalized communities are susceptible to public health risks, and it is affecting everybody during this pandemic. LGBTQ people are more likely to suffer due to the known challenges that exist in the current political and health environment we have. These things are not new, we have been experiencing disparities in health care access and resources in the last decade or so. Underserved populations like the LGBTQ can be uniquely affected by COVID-19. Although these populations are not at greater risk of getting the novel coronavirus, the access to testing is problematic. Transgender individuals are less likely to be connected with health care professionals due to the stigma, reported negative attitude of health care providers, and discrimination they have experienced. Access to quality care becomes a big issue.

LGBTQ faces more problem during the pandemic

Poverty in the LGBTQ community has been highlighted by so many researchers in the field and the coronavirus pandemic put more emphasis on the issue. Some LGBTQ are already at a social disadvantage. Some work in the food industry, film production, entertainment industry, and these works experienced the shutdown in the last two months. Suddenly, these people are now out of work and filing for unemployment. Some with families are hit hard because now they are worried about what are they going to put on the table for food. How are they going to pay the rent and the other monthly bills? This puts a lot of stress to an already vulnerable population plagued by economic hardship. Unfortunately, we are seeing this and this makes it an emergency not only for folks who do not identify as LGBTQ.

Safety is becoming a concern here as well. Mental health becomes a predicament, too. The coronavirus cases have exploded around March in most cities and these means that surgeries are canceled. I cannot imagine the stress that my trans sisters are undergoing when they hear that their gender-affirming surgeries are delayed. I fear that some transgender individuals in other countries are encountering problems with access to their hormone therapy. LGBTQ people who are struggling with mental health issues are now having disrupted schedules with their peers, counsellors, and psychiatrist. I am not going to be surprised to witness an increase in the number of substance abuse cases after this pandemic slows down. Domestic violence I am certain is on the rise, too as many are trapped in their homes where some of us are not welcome. Housing issues and food insecurity are rampant everywhere meaning many are unable to secure food for the day or even self-isolate effectively.

The most tragic part of it all is the isolation that the older LGBTQ are experiencing.

The most tragic part of it all is the isolation that the older LGBTQ are experiencing. We all know some of them have lost or no contact with their family or have a lesser support system. Seniors are hit hard this time because they are more likely to suffer from depression and social isolation. Some older LGBTQ who still manage to live at home probably do not have anyone in the house which means that they have less or no communication at all. It becomes more of an issue if they currently have a serious illness or have co-morbidities that require immediate attention. They may let the symptoms subside or ignore warning signs. Some are reluctant to seek medical care. Furthermore, it emphasizes the gaps we have in the current health care system.

The pandemic only shows that the treatment of marginalized populations such as the LGBTQ is a touchy subject. Special treatment is not the request here but an in-depth look at how this economic inequality can be dealt with in a sensitive and timely manner. The crisis displays the protection that is in place for these vulnerable individuals. This is critical as some countries do not have any nondiscrimination law that protects LGBTQ in the workplace. We need more health care support for our elderly who are living at home to mitigate social isolation. Social supports that focus on housing and food insecurity should moreover be given priority.

This is an unprecedented situation. I am disturbed with the beard that will suddenly come out of my chin. I am so due to having a laser appointment but there are more important fights out there that I should remain a part of. Hang in there, brothers and sisters.