Support for the LGBTQ+ Community During the Coronavirus Pandemic

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LGBTQ+ People at Risk

For a number of reasons, LGBTQ+ people are at a higher risk for being negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. These reasons range from healthcare inequities to mental health issues to the exacerbation of stigma that exists as individuals interact with institutions – schools, hospitals, nursing homes – and families that aren’t always welcoming and supportive. (For more in-depth overview of this situation, read the HRC report.)

What Cville Pride is Doing

In an effort to support the local community, Cville Pride is providing:

A fund to provide emergency money to LGBTQ+ people in need
Weekly virtual hangouts for LGBTQ+ youth
Online meetups and chat for the trans and nonbinary community
Virtual bi-pan gatherings

Sign up to join an online community forum.

If you have questions or ideas on how we can help, email us.

Youth Resources

LGBTQ+ youth need support during the coronavirus pandemic.

Why?: According to HRC’s 2018 LGBTQ Youth Report, “only 21% of LGBTQ youth are out to their families, and 67% of LGBTQ students hear their families make negative comments about LGBTQ people. When LGBTQ students are unable to be their authentic selves or when they are living in unsupportive environments, the effects can be overwhelming.”

Cville Pride is hosting weekly virtual hangouts for youth of all ages to give kids ways to connect. These informal, safe, fun online gatherings take place on Zoom and are moderated by a team member who is both a teacher and mom.

More Resources

Side by Side Youth Support Line: 888-644-4390
ReadyKids Teen Counseling Hotline: 434-972-7233

View our complete list of youth resources

Seniors

Why are LGBTQ+ seniors at risk? According to the Human Rights Campaign, “LGBTQ elders are particularly vulnerable to the health risks of COVID-19 and are concerned about discrimination, in both in-home and residential care settings (60%) and with their health care provider (40%). LGBTQ older adults also face greater risks from social isolation — a necessary public health effort during COVID-19 — that can have a direct impact on their health and well-being.”

If you or someone you love is an older member of the LGBTQ+ community, take some time to review resources and ask for support.

View:

SAGE’s resources for the LGBTQ+ community, including seniors
The National Resource Center on LGBT Aging’s Prepare for COVID-19: Tips and Resources for LGBT Elders and Those Living with HIV
SAGE, Lambda Legal, and the Human Rights Campaign published a webinar: LGBTQ Older Adults and COVID-19: Tools, Supports and Solutions for Navigating the Pandemic

Locally:

The Center is providing online programs (including fitness classes, informal ZOOM chats, one-off programs, dance class) that are free and open to anyone in the community.

Transgender Individuals

People who are trans or nonbinary already experience significant barriers accessing healthcare and support. With the coronavirus pandemic, gender-affirming surgeries have been delayed, and many people have avoided getting emergency and basic healthcare. Many feel more isolated than ever.

Sign up to chat, network, and virtually hangout with others in the transgender community via the Cville Pride Slack trans channel.

Other resources:

Trans Lifeline provides a peer support hotline and grants for trans people in need. You can call their hotline at 877-565-8860.
Fenway Health runs an LGBT Helpline and a Peer Listening Line, which people can call from across the country. Call 888-340-4528 for adults 25+. Call 800-399-PEER for those under age 25.
National Center for Transgender Equality has a comprehensive list of support resources