The stigma and discrimination experienced by sexual and gender minorities play a fundamental role in creating these health disparities. Transgender people, in particular, face high levels of prejudice and regular denial of access to health services. As a result, many trans people had to stop hormonal therapies and postpone surgeries and other physical health treatments and, as a result, experienced increased anxiety and mental health problems.
Stay at home orders and social distancing
Many countries have imposed lockdown measures in response to the coronavirus pandemic. These measures result in daily travel restrictions and have caused significant economic disruption. According to a qualitative study in Serbia, one in ten LGBTI people said they were unable to pay their rent and had to leave their home.. For LGBTI people, especially young people, this may mean being forced to stay with friends or family members who do not support their sexual orientation or gender identity. These situations could increase the risks of sexual and gender minorities experiencing homelessness. ERA member organizations across the region have reported that COVID-19-related measures, including stay-at-home orders and isolation policies, have negatively impacted the physical and mental well-being of LGBTI people, particularly in relation to mental health issues, suicide attempts, and an increase in incidents of domestic violence and abuse.
The persistent discrimination and exclusion that sexual and gender minorities continue to face also comes from governments that negatively target this group, some of which are using the pandemic response to specifically target LGBTI people. In addition to direct targeting, stereotypes and biases against sexual and gender minorities negatively influence the way laws and policies are implemented.
Meeting these unique challenges
Now is the time to ensure inclusive recovery and growth. With strong financial commitments to help countries fight COVID-19, there are opportunities to address the needs of sexual and gender minorities and avoid some of the impacts described above. Although this report was developed for the Western Balkans, the following recommendations are applicable in all countries.
- Ensure the existing health needs of sexual and gender minorities, including access to HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention and access to hormonal treatments for transgender people, are met and not suspended during the response to the pandemic;
- ensure compliance with patient confidentiality and confidentiality standards;
- enable community organizations to resume their support programs in a safe and responsible manner and, if necessary, provide additional support, including, among other things, access to food and shelter programs, other programs social protection and economic opportunities for sexual and gender minorities;
- ensure that relevant information on COVID-19 and vaccine needs is targeted and tailored to marginalized communities, including LGBTI people, by working with CSOs and grassroots organizations representing these groups;
- train health workers, including community health workers or volunteers from rural communities, government officials, emergency planners and other stakeholders, on SOGI issues;
- strengthen the collection of disaggregated SOGI data to address and mitigate risks for sexual and gender minorities during outbreak situations; And
- ensure that sexual and gender minorities and CSOs can participate in consultations and citizen engagement in economic response and recovery programs in a way that ensures the safety and confidentiality of participants.
As the world faces the uncertainties that accompany this pandemic, the social inclusion of all vulnerable groups, including LGBTI people, is a crucial issue, essential to the implementation of equitable and inclusive policies that can have a direct impact on health, safety, welfare and well-being outcomes. quality of life for all.
