Queer Black Americans have taken a ‘disproportionate’ financial hit during COVID-19 by every measure
Black LGBT+ lives land in the intersection of racism and homophobia. (Getty/Hollie Adams)
Black LGBT+ Americans are suffering “disproportionate” economic consequences during the COVID-19 pandemic with almost one in five losing their jobs, a new report has shown.
The report by Human Rights Campaign, in partnership with PSB insights, tracked the economic impact of COVID-19 on the LGBT+ community in the US via an online survey of 10,000 people conducted between April and July.
While it has been well-documented that the coronavirus pandemic has disproportionately impacted LGBT+ people and Black people, the impact on those who are both Black and LGBT+ is significantly worse in every measure included in the survey.
Almost one in five Black LGBT+ respondents (18 per cent) have become unemployed because of COVID-19, compared to 16 per cent of Black respondents, 16 per cent of LGBT+ people and 12 per cent of the general population.
Nearly one third (31 per cent) of Black LGBT+ had their work hours reduced during the pandemic. Some 23 per cent of Black respondents, 28 per cent of LGBT+ respondents and 22 per cent of the general population said the same.
Black LGBT+ Americans has also been making changes to their bills and budgeting during the COVID-19 pandemic more often that those who are Black or LGBT+.
One in five Black LGBT+ respondents have had to check if their bank account has overdrafted, 36 per cent had made changes to household budgets and 23 per cent have asked for delays in paying their rent.
HRC president Alphonso David said in a statement: “Even as Black communities, especially Black trans communities, across the country are reckoning with racism and violence, Black LGBTQ people are also being disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
“We know Black people are dying from COVID-19 at extremely alarming rates.
“Unfortunately, this new research shows Black people and Black LGBTQ people are suffering disproportionate economic inequities.
“The data make clear what we have long known: that those living at the intersections of multiply marginalised identities face harsher consequences of the pandemic.
“It is a clarion call to policymakers that we must do all we can to combat the virus and its economic impact on multiply marginalised communities.”
