As numbers of confirmed cases of COVID-19 steadily rise, so does the fear of death for millions of Americans, especially for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Over a hundred national organizations have signed an open letter, created by the National LGBT Cancer Network, urging media and health care providers to be aware that the LGBTQ+ community is particularly vulnerable to the virus.
While an increased risk of life-threatening illness from COVID-19 for LGBTQ+ people is not known, the open letter states a few reasons why the community is at higher risk than others:
-The LGBTQ+ population has higher rates of HIV, cancer and compromised immune systems, which could be detrimental when fighting a serious illness.
-Smokers are at a greater risk of complications from COVID-19, and the LGBTQ+ population uses tobacco at rates 50% higher than the national average.
-LGBTQ+ people are often reluctant to seek necessary medical attention because they fear experiencing discrimination, harassment, denial of care or a lack of understanding from health care staff and providers.
Additionally, members of the LGBTQ+ population suffer increased vulnerability to COVID-19 because they experience higher rates of asthma, poverty, homelessness and lack of health care, according to data presented by the Human Rights Campaign.
According to the National LGBT Cancer Network’s letter, the LGBTQ+ community is no stranger to stigma and discrimination that pandemics create. Aside from often not receiving proper medical attention, there are restrictions on the community’s ability to contribute to health care.
“As a gay man I have never been able to donate blood and that is really unfortunate, especially at a time like this,” said Nate Rhoton, Executive Director of one-n-ten, a local nonprofit that provides services to youth who identify as LGTBQ+.
The American Red Cross announced March 17 that the organization is now facing a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations in response to the coronavirus outbreak. The organization said that healthy individuals are needed to donate blood.
While all blood donations are screened for various illnesses, including HIV, gay and bisexual men are disqualified from donating blood for at least three months after having sex with a man, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
The National LGBT Cancer Network’s letter also mentions healthcare discrimination has made the LGBTQ+ community less likely to seek medical attention than their heterosexual counterparts, even in life-threatening circumstances.
“It is a responsibility for any medical professional and for anybody treating us to not discriminate, and that could mean getting the word out to as many people as possible,” said Mike Fornelli, Executive Director of Phoenix Pride.
Rhoton of one-n-ten said that while the U.S has made significant improvements in healthcare inclusivity, particularly in Arizona, there is still a lack of training and understanding that pertains to the LGBTQ+ community.
While seemingly minor, something as simple as an outdated patient intake form can prevent patients from seeking care.
“From the very start of the appointment, they are experiencing really what amounts to trauma and it creates hurdles that are in their way to receiving proper care,” Rhoton said.
Some people who identify as LGBTQ+ have higher rates of depression and a higher risk than the general population for suicidal attempts, according to the National LGBT Health Education Center.
“At a time when everyone is being forced to isolate it can make those issues dramatically worse,” Rhoton said.
Many LGBTQ+ organizations in Arizona have joined added their signatures to the open letter to help raise awareness for the factors that make the community particularly vulnerable.
Some organizations, including one-n-ten, have created additional funding and donation programs for community members who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although social distancing measures called for the annual Phoenix Pride to be postponed until November, people can still attend remotely. In efforts to remain united, Phoenix Pride is partnering with Gayborhood, an online guide to LGBTQ+-friendly organizations, to host a “Virtual Pride Festival” this weekend.
“As a community, we are always stronger than what we’re up against and like a phoenix rising from the ashes, we too will rise from this and be stronger because of it,” Rhoton said.
Contact the reporter at imartill@asu.edu.
