February 25, 2025 The Newspaper Serving LGBT Los Angeles

How COVID-19 Impacts Black LGBTQ+ People

Amidst horrifying racial disparities, “COVID While Black and Queer” is a new data initiative that will shine a light on our most vulnerable communities in this crisis

The National Black Justice Coalition and Black Policy Lab, a project of Pink Cornrows, has announced a new initiative to gather data on one of the most vulnerable populations in the COVID-19 pandemic, Black LGBTQ+ and same gender loving (SGL) people. COVID while Black and Queer will find crucial data on how Black LGBTQ/SGL people are weathering the pandemic at a time when data shows that Black communities make up 60% of the COVID-19 deaths in the United States.

“Existing data from this crisis has already proven what many of us have already known: Black communities continue to be the least supported and most exploited—more Black people are testing positive and dying as a result of the virus and we should expect that existing data is undercounting what’s more likely the reality given the history of Black communities not being targeted for testing and data collection” said David J. Johns, Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition. “What we know now is important; however, to protect all Black people, we need data on specific needs and experiences of Black LGBTQ and same gender loving people.”

The new survey will build on the Black Policy Lab’s ongoing COVID while Black initiative, which has surveyed hundreds of Black Americans in the past weeks. “Data is a powerful tool, but often isn’t the full story. Traditional empirical research and interpretation methods are not without bias, and frequently disseminated without insight from our community,” said Ifeoma Ike, attorney, researcher, and Founder of Black Policy Lab. “COVID while Black was launched to invite traditionally underrepresented and over-impacted communities to provide important data and narratives about their own lives. This valuable qualitative input does not limit our Black experiences to just statistics, but instead allows us to see trends and opportunities that hopefully will inform policymakers tasked with recovery and restoration efforts.”

Unlike other surveys, COVID while Black, for example, also allows respondents to share the names of loved ones who were ill, essential workers serving on the front lines, and those who have transitioned, contributing to a virtual homegoing experience at a time where mass gatherings are prohibited and for communities who heal, in part, by coming together.

Previous data has shown that Black people are disproportionately experiencing the severest health impacts of the disease with systemic racism within healthcare, inequalities resulting in health disparities and Black people disproportionately working in ‘essential’ jobs as major contributing factors. We also know that historically Black communities are not targeted for testing or democratized health care.

Past research has shown that LGBTQ/SGL Americans also experience underlying health disparities that increase the likelihood of testing positive for and suffering as a result of COVID19. LGBGTQ/SGL Americans are more likely to be smokers—a high risk factor—and work minimum wage jobs. Transgender people especially face widespread workplace discrimination, are more likely to be incarcerated, and more than 1 in 4 transgender people have reported being denied healthcare due to their gender identity. Black LGBTQ people also predominantly live in the South where it is legal to deny access to employment, public housing, and medical services on the basis of actual or perceived sexual identity, gender orientation, and gender expression. These are the states that are rushing to open while investing the least in targeted testing and treatment.

This new survey aims to reveal new data on how Black LGBTQ/SGL people have been affected to inform policy decisions and necessary shifts in practice. Black Policy Lab will soon launch a series of virtual summits to discuss survey results, solutions, and design policy recommendations.

Related Posts

Arrest Made in Malibu July 4th DUI Crash That Killed Rideshare Driver

February 25, 2025

February 25, 2025

Influencer Faces Serious Charges in Tragic Death After Exclusive Party  Authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with a fatal...

Hundreds Protest Trump and Musk in West Hollywood, More Demonstrations Planned

February 24, 2025

February 24, 2025

Activists Rally Against Trump Policies and Musk’s Government Takeover Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of West Hollywood on...

‘Engaged California’ to Let Residents Shape Policy in the State, Discuss Solutions Publicly

February 24, 2025

February 24, 2025

Gov. Gavin Newsom Introduces a First-Of-Its-Kind Digital Platform to Amplify Our Voices Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the launch of Engaged...

Disaster Assistance Deadlines Loom for Palisades Fire Victims, Time Running Out

February 24, 2025

February 24, 2025

Relief Funds, FEMA Aid, and Low-Cost Loans Are Still Available Residents and business owners affected by the Palisades Fires have...

LAPD Seeks Help Identifying Teen Bicyclists Who Attacked Man in Broad Daylight

February 24, 2025

February 24, 2025

A Group of up to 30 Bicyclists Assaulted a Man After an Argument Detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department’s...

(Video) Spring by the Sea Awaits

February 24, 2025

February 24, 2025

Embrace the beauty of the season at Regent Santa Monica Beach, where golden shores and blooming horizons set the stage...

(Video) See The View From The Top of Santa Monica’s Pacific Wheel

February 24, 2025

February 24, 2025

For Tickets and More Information, Go To Pacpark.com For Tickets and More Information, Go To https://t.co/EeP5ZuEnF3 pic.twitter.com/UnhSXZoxId — Palisades News...

Former LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley Breaks Silence After Firing, Calls It an ‘Honor’ to Serve

February 24, 2025

February 24, 2025

Backlash Grows Over First LGBTQ Fire Chief’s Firing as Officials Demand Answers Former Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley...

Britney Spears Former Beverly Hills Estate Hits Market After Stunning Renovation

February 24, 2025

February 24, 2025

Former Home in the Summit Offers Luxury, Privacy, and Breathtaking Design A newly renovated estate in The Summit, a 24-hour...

Governor Newsom Requests $40 Billion in Federal Aid to Begin Recovery From Southern California Fires

February 23, 2025

February 23, 2025

California Seeks Disaster Funding to Rebuild Communities Devastated by Disaster Gov. Gavin Newsom has requested $40 billion in federal disaster...

The Los Angeles Wildfires Have Caused Billions in Real Estate Losses, Displaced Thousands

February 23, 2025

February 23, 2025

Devastating Fires Destroyed Luxury Homes, Apartments, and Commercial Properties The Palisades and Eaton fires, the two most destructive wildfires to...

Breaking News: L.A. Mayor Karen Bass Removes Fire Chief, Appoints Interim Leader

February 21, 2025

February 21, 2025

Kristin Crowley Removed as Fire Chief; Veteran Firefighter Steps in as Interim Chief Mayor Karen Bass removed Los Angeles Fire...

(Video) Rifkin Raanan Dentistry Uses Expertise and Artistry to Give Patients Their Dream Smiles

February 21, 2025

February 21, 2025

For More Info, Go To https://rodneyraanan.com/ For More Info, Go To https://t.co/jWgrVPAYJQ pic.twitter.com/yXvXHjBT1i — Palisades News (@PalisadesNewsLA) February 21, 2025

Celebrate National Margarita Day With Specials on the Westside This Saturday

February 20, 2025

February 20, 2025

Weho, Venice, and Santa Monica Bars Serve Up Creative Margaritas For those looking to shake off the start-of-the-year blues, National...

West Hollywood’s “Lake WeHo” to Be Filled: Community Meetings Scheduled

February 20, 2025

February 20, 2025

Melrose Triangle Project Team Will Update Residents on Construction Plans The team behind the Melrose Triangle development will hold a...