COVID-19’s impact on LGBTIQ Tasmanians

New study reveals COVID-19’s impact on LGBTIQ Tasmanians

IN TIMES OF CRISIS, LGBTIQ AND HIV+ PEOPLE FACE FURTHER MARGINALISATION AND BARRIERS TO HEALTH AND WELLBEING. NEW RESEARCH FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA HAS FOUND THAT COVID-19 IS NO DIFFERENT.

In a survey of 231 Tasmanians, researchers Dr Ruby Grant and Briohny Walker found that mental health, loneliness, discrimination in health care, strained family relationships, and disconnection from LGBTIQ community were key concerns for LGBTIQ people during the pandemic.

The survey also revealed concerns not widely raised elsewhere. For example, HIV+ people and trans people were concerned about safe access to medication and hormones during COVID-19. Some same-sex couples were worried that police might not recognise them as being family members and target them for breaching social distancing. People with multiple sexual or romantic partners were finding it hard to navigate public health directives.

Heart-warmingly, many respondents expressed concern for other LGBTIQ people, especially young people, who may be in isolation with unsupportive family.

When given a preference, LGBTIQ Tasmanians overwhelmingly reported wanting to receive supports from LGBTIQ organisations. But some were concerned about the viability of these services in a post-pandemic economy.

The solutions are more funding for LGBTIQ support services and for the needs of LGBTIQ and HIV+ people to be factored into public health emergency planning in the future.