COVID-19: Economic Disaster Affects LGBTQ Community More Than General Population

A new report released in the United States has found the LGBTQ community is more likely to have been economically devastated by the Covid-19 epidemic than the general population.

Released by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the research conducted by PSB Research has found that LGBTQ people are more likely to have experienced a cut in work hours.

They are more likely to feel their personal finances are in worse shape due to the pandemic, more likely to be taking steps to actively prepare for the virus and more likely to trust public health officials.

HRC President Alphonso David said it is unfortunately not surprising to see that the LGBTQ community is facing adverse economic impacts due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This new data bears out our initial predictions that LGBTQ people were likely to face greater economic hardship, and is more proof that the most marginalised communities are the most at risk,” Alphonso said.

“We have seen the health impact of this virus on communities of colour, and we now have the data to show how the LGBTQ community is struggling.

“For those of us at the intersections of these identities, it is even more profound. We must take this moment to fight for the resources to ensure that communities most impacted can weather this storm.”

The report found that:

• 30% of LGBTQ respondents have had their work hours reduced, compared to 22% of the general population
• 20% of LGBTQ people say their personal finances are “much worse off” than they were a year ago, compared to only 11% of the general population
• LGBTQ people are twice as likely as the general population to think their finances will be much worse off a year from now, 10% to 5%
• 42% of LGBTQ people have adjusted their household budgets, compared to 30% of the general population
• 56% of LGBTQ people trust the World Health Organization (WHO) compared to 35% of the general population and
• 55% trust the CDC, compared to 46% of the general population.

CEO of PSB Research Peter Horst said the COVID-19 pandemic has shined a light on many unfortunate realities we face in our society.

“As the virus has delivered disproportionate impact across various communities, including LGBTQ people,” said Peter Horst, CEO of PSB Research.

“It’s yet another reminder of the importance of allowing data to speak the truths we need to hear in order to address our challenges…”

Last Updated on Apr 27, 2020