Introduction to Special Issue: Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on LGBTQ+ Health and Well-Being

Publication Date

1-1-2021

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Homosexuality

Volume

68

Issue

4

DOI

10.1080/00918369.2020.1868182

First Page

545

Last Page

559

Abstract

This special issue on the impacts of COVID-19 on LGBTQ+ health and well-being reports findings from nine articles with varied study designs, including data from multiple countries and all segments of LGBTQ+ communities. Key findings included the observation that pre-COVID mental health disparities predispose LGBTQ+ people to poorer outcomes; that technological communication aids are essential in maintaining some sense of community; and that substance use is perceived by sexual minority women as a means of coping with fears, stress, loneliness, and boredom. Studies in this special issue also document that community support is still a critical need, particularly among those who are sheltering at home with families of origin. Findings underscore the importance of addressing structural inequities, including advocating for rights; providing financial support for LGBTQ+ community organizations and networks; ensuring access to competent and affirming healthcare; and including vulnerable communities in disaster response and planning.

Keywords

COVID-19 and LGBTQ+, gender minority, gender nonbinary, health disparities, sexual minority, transgender

Department

Social Work

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