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    All of us—wherever we are—can contract or transmit this novel virus, though it is imperative to note that social determinants of health, economic injustices, less employment opportunities and exacerbated barriers to accessing to the health industrial complex, especially culturally competent care, all together make queer and trans—particularly queer and trans people of color—susceptible to physical, financial and mental effects of pandemics like COVID-19.

    Moreover, according to an open letter that over 100 LGBTQ+ organizations—including the National LGBTQ Task Force—signed on behalf of our communities, we call attention to the reality that the LGBTQ+ community is increasingly vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19 due to three factors:

    First, LGBTQ+ people continue to experience discrimination, unwelcoming attitudes and lack of understanding from providers and staff in many health care settings, and as a result, many are reluctant to seek medical care except in situations that feel urgent—and perhaps not even then.

    The LGBTQ+ population also has higher rates of HIV and cancer, which means a greater number of us may have compromised immune systems, leaving us more vulnerable to COVID-19 infections.

    And finally, the LGBTQ+ population uses tobacco at rates that are 50 percent higher than the general population. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that has proven particularly harmful to smokers.

    Furthermore, we implore the health industry to acknowledge that there are “more than 3 million LGBTQ+ older people living in the United States who are already less likely than their heterosexual and cisgender peers to reach out to health and aging providers, like senior centers, meal programs, and other programs designed to ensure their health and wellness, because they fear discrimination and harassment.”

    The 1980s HIV/AIDs pandemic also reminds us that even though we are engaging in social distancing, we should not stigmatize—or worse, criminalize—those who have contracted coronavirus or those who transmit this virus.

    To read the entire article, visit COVID-19: A Black, Queer, Feminist Grounding and Call for Self and Community Care.

    Across the globe, experts have sounded alarms about the potential impact of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, on mental health. Last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a lengthy set of tips to help people cope with the pandemic. They include taking substantial breaks from stressful news coverage, helping other people, continuing to eat healthy and exercise, and staying in contact with your social networks.

    For LGBTQ people in particular, a pandemic will present unique challenges, according to experts. In an open letter, more than 100 organizations outlined the ways that LGBTQ people are at increased susceptibility to COVID-19.

    To read the entire article, visit Let’s Talk Queer Self-Care in a Pandemic.

    Do you know your housing rights? The Audre Lorde Project is providing some helpful information around the renting and eviction process during COVID-19. For more information about The Audre Lorde Project and to read the entire article, Know Your Housing Rights During COVID-19, click here.

    About The Audre Lorde Project

    The Audre Lorde Project is a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit, Trans and Gender Non Conforming People of Color center for community organizing, focusing on the New York City area. Through mobilization, education and capacity-building, we work for community wellness and progressive social and economic justice. Committed to struggling across differences, we seek to responsibly reflect, represent and serve our various communities.


    The National LGBT Cancer Network is offer a wealth of resources for the LGBTQ+ community. The National LGBT Cancer Network works to improve the lives of LGBT cancer survivors and those at risk by:

    • EDUCATING the LGBT community about our increased cancer risks and the importance of screening and early detection;
    • TRAINING health care providers to offer more culturally-competent, safe and welcoming care; and
    • ADVOCATING for LGBT survivors in mainstream cancer organizations, the media and research.

    For more information about The National LGBT Cancer Network and their resources, visit www.cancer-network.org.

    CHANGE THEIR WORLD. CHANGE YOURS. THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING.

    Change their world. Change yours. This changes everything.