DEFEATING COVID together
NAVAJO NATION
A core part of Diné Pride's mission is to work for the safety and wellness of our Indigenous LGBTQIA family members in Indian Country. For this reason, we will do our best to serve the LGBTQ+ community throughout this crisis by connecting people to the resources and support they need.
The novel coronavirus and the disease it causes, COVID-19, has proven to be detrimental to our Sovereign Nations. Our LGBTQ+ relatives are at increased risk for this virus because such a high percentage of Native LGBTQ+ communities are immune-compromised due to a lack of access to basic healthcare, life necessities, and health insurance.
We have launched the #StrongTogether Campaign with the goal of providing our Indiegnious LGBTQ+ relatives with specific information on COVID-19, opportunities to connect through virtual networking events, and much more. Our duty as an LGBTQ+ serving organization is to step up to support our most vulnerable.
Our LGBTQ+ Indigenous relatives on the Navajo Nation and across Indian Country are living resiliently today because of the LGBTQ+ people who came before us who fought for our right to exist. From the criminalization of our identities to the devastation of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, we have come together to use our collective power to survive and to thrive with our traditional songs, ceremonies, and prayers. We also know from our history that those who are most marginalized are most vulnerable.
- Alray Nelson
Navajo Nation Pride
Our queer community was wholly ignored for years at the beginning of the AIDS crisis, and we saw where that led. HIV/AIDS devastated the LGBTQ community ... unhindered because of the government's intentional inaction as disrespect for LGBTQ people in our community. This is a time to pay attention to vulnerable communities, not just folks who are in the age range at risk of contracting COVID-19. We need to be talking about people with suppressed immune systems and those who need to be supported most in a time like this.
- Chris Hartman
Kentucky Fairness Campaign
The LGBTQ+ community may be vulnerable to the coronavirus pandemic.
Here's why.
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LGBTQ+ people smoke at rates 50% higher than the general population, which could be detrimental if a respiratory illness like COVID-19 is contracted.
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Higher rates of HIV and cancer in the LGBTQ+ community means that a greater number of people may have compromised immune systems, which leaves them more vulnerable to COVID-19 infections.
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Health care discrimination in America, including denial of care, unwelcoming attitudes and lack of understanding from staff and providers means LGBTQ+ people may be more reluctant to seek medical care.
As COVID-19 sweeps the world, hundreds of thousands of people have contracted the virus, and every community has been affected. The LGBTQ community in the U.S. — along with many communities around the globe — will face unique challenges due to its economic and health care situations.
Little is known about COVID-19’s impact on the global economy. In addition, the extent of COVID-19’s economic impact on LGBTQ people as well as the ways in which LGBTQ people are at increased risk of infection and health complications are mostly unknown.
This brief will summarize the ways in which COVID-19 could adversely affect the lives and livelihoods of the LGBTQ community at disproportionate rates.
As this research brief makes clear, in addition to the greater risk of health complications as a result of COVID-19, LGBTQ Americans are more likely than the general population to live in poverty and lack access to adequate medical care, paid medical leave, and basic necessities during the pandemic.
LGBTQ+ Information to Fight COVID-19
3 reasons COVID-19 poses a Higher Risk to the LGBTQ+ Population
And how the novel coronavirus is (or isn’t) altering the lives of health care providers, drag queens, and Grindr users.
The LGBTQ+ population may be at increased risk for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. To get the word out, over 100 national and local organizations have signed an open letter initiated by a coalition of six organizations.
The letter spells out the main reasons for the heightened concerns. It also lists 10 ways those involved with the COVID-19 response - including health officials and the media - can ensure that LGBTQ+ people are treated properly during this pandemic.
What People With HIV Need to Know About the Coronavirus
New research is emerging about how the respiratory virus spreads and how people can protect themselves and others.
A month after the new coronavirus respiratory disease known as COVID-19 came to public attention, researchers and public health officials are continuing to learn about its spread, its mortality rate and who is most likely to become seriously ill.
Although much remains unknown, it’s clear that older people, those with other health conditions and people with compromised immune systems have a higher likelihood of severe illness. This may include people living with HIV, especially those with low CD4 counts. But taking some basic precautions can lower your risk and improve your well-being.
Supporting and Caring for our LGBTQ Elders During COVID-19
LGBTQ+ older adults are particularly vulnerable during the COVID-19 health crisis and helps to ensure they are getting the care they need.
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.
