As the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread across the United States, I held onto a naive hope that it wouldn’t significantly disrupt our lives. I envisioned continuing with my scheduled LGBTQIA+ seminars and was busy finalizing professional training sessions for local businesses. I was even reaching out to summer camp directors to prepare counselors for working with queer campers, whether they were out or not. Additionally, I had applied for a position as an LGBTQIA+ outreach and education coordinator at a local university. I was actively advocating for the importance of respecting pronouns and eliminating gendered language in the name of inclusivity. Advocacy and education for queer rights have always been my passion and purpose.
Then, everything came to an abrupt halt. All speaking engagements, training sessions, and hiring processes were frozen, leaving me deeply concerned about the impact on LGBTQIA+ rights. I worry about our most vulnerable populations, the frontline responders battling illness, and those managing essential goods. While I strive to do my part to stay healthy, I feel a profound loss of purpose without the ability to engage in social justice and advocacy efforts. The focus has understandably shifted to the pandemic, yet, during this time, the issues facing marginalized communities, particularly the queer community, have been overlooked. I mourn the decline of queer visibility and the ongoing struggle for equality.
Before the pandemic escalated, many advocates—myself included—were vocally opposing various state efforts to restrict gender-affirming care for transgender youth and to bar athletes from participating in teams that align with their gender identity. On the eve of International Day of Transgender Visibility, Idaho enacted two anti-transgender bills. One bill prevents individuals from changing their gender marker on their birth certificates, while the other prohibits transgender girls and women from competing in women’s sports leagues. Rather than celebrating our authentic selves, we faced renewed discrimination, as being visible became a justification for bigotry.
I fear for the queer community’s ability to advocate for itself. The isolation many are experiencing alongside unsupportive individuals concerns me, as does our physical safety and financial stability. We are already a demographic that faces significant disparities in rights, income, and discrimination compared to our cisgender and straight counterparts. According to the Human Rights Campaign, approximately 40% of LGBTQ workers are affected by COVID-19, particularly in the top industries hit hardest by the pandemic. This contrasts with only about 22% of non-queer individuals in those same sectors. Additionally, 15% of queer individuals work in the restaurant industry, often earning a median wage of just $11.09/hour, leaving many struggling without income. The reality is that it will be increasingly difficult for queer and marginalized communities to recover from this crisis.
Pride centers typically rely on fundraisers, silent auctions, and sponsored events to sustain their programs and staff. With the inability to host these events, critical funding is drying up. Businesses and donors that previously supported Pride centers are now scaling back their contributions due to financial uncertainties. School-organized LGBTQIA+ groups, PFLAG meetings, and community events are indefinitely canceled, leaving our safe spaces closed. I worry about their ability to reopen.
I am confident they will eventually reopen. However, my true concern lies in the damage we may face upon our return, which will require significant effort to address before we can move forward. Rebuilding our strength will involve healing on many levels, and I hope we can resume our fight for equality where we left off, even as we regain emotional and physical presence in mainstream society.
Convincing schools, organizations, and non-profits to allocate funding for LGBTQIA+ education has always been challenging. It will be even more difficult post-pandemic due to budget cuts and financial losses. While my role is crucial for those who need safe learning and working environments, many organizations may no longer view queer education as essential. Equality risks being sidelined if it presents a financial burden.
It seems that the well-being of the queer community is not a priority for many. I hope we can quickly regain visibility, but for now, I find myself grieving. I am in self-preservation mode, yet I have not lost sight of my purpose.
I extend health, hope, and peace of mind to all my LGBTQIA+ community members as we navigate this pandemic. I urge medical staff to appropriately gender a sick trans person and honor queer relationships when treating COVID-19 patients, because even during a crisis, we deserve to be treated with dignity and compassion. Though trainings may be canceled, our right to respect remains steadfast.
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In summary, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the LGBTQIA+ community, halting progress and threatening rights. The isolation, financial instability, and loss of advocacy opportunities are deeply concerning. However, the resilience of the community remains strong, and there is hope for recovery and continued advocacy.