HIDDEN FIGURES: THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON LGBT COMMUNITIES IN THE UK

Key Issues Faced by LGBT Communities During the Covid-19 Pandemic

The pandemic is having a profound impact on many people’s mental health and wellbeing, with the World Health Organisation warning that this impact is likely to be far reaching and long lasting. LGBT people may be particularly affected, as they are more likely to experience poor mental health,6 partly as a result of ongoing discrimination and marginalisation. This is further exacerbated in LGBT communities, as phone and online support is simply not an option for those who are unable to speak freely in front of others about their identity, as they are not out or are living in an unaccepting household.

LGBT people are already more likely to use drugs ,7 8 and drink everyday9 – often substance use is used to cope with the impact of lifelong discrimination, marginalisation and isolation. There has been significant coverage of an increase in substance misuse in the general population during the pandemic, an issue that has been worsening as this crisis continues. For people in recovery this crisis may be an incredibly challenging time and we know that some of these individuals have relapsed as a direct result of the pandemic. LGBT Foundation’s Substance Misuse Programme has seen previous service users who no longer needed support return to the service as a result of the crisis.

The UK has seen a shocking rise in domestic abuse since social distancing measures were introduced. Many LGBT victims are unable to access support as there is a lack of support provided for trans women and men who have been affected by domestic abuse. There is little mainstream recognition of domestic abuse that occurs outside of opposite sex relationships, which reduces LGBT people’s ability to see themselves as victims and feel that support services are for them.

LGBT people have had to isolate at home with LGBTphobic households. Abuse and discrimination has meant that people have had to go back into the closet or avoid coming out entirely to those who they live with. These experiences will further heighten feelings of stress, anxiety and isolation as well as making people feel as though they are losing part of their identity. Additionally, there have been instances of people being made homeless during the crisis after their families have found out they are LGBT.