The Human Rights Campaign ( hRC ) Foundationthe educational arm of the Human Rights Campaignreleased new data outlining the economic impact of COVID-19 on LGBTQ communities of color.
"This new data, showing that LGBTQ communities of color are facing the severe economic consequences of this pandemic, is unfortunately not surprising," said HRC President Alphonso David. "We know that multiply marginalized populations are at an increased risk of contracting the virus and suffering its effectsvulnerable communities are facing higher death rates than the general population across the country. We must acknowledge that these communities, particularly LGBTQ people of color, face systemic biases that are placing them at greater risk."
The data shows that:
38 percent of LGBTQ people of color have had their work hours reduced, compared to 29 percent of white LGBTQ people, and 24 percent of the general population;
22 percent of LGBTQ people of color became unemployed, compared to 14 percent of white LGBTQ people and 13 percent of the general population;
19 percent of LGBTQ people of color have asked for delays in payments on bills, compared to 14 percent of white LGBTQ people and 12 percent of the general population;
14 percent of LGBTQ people of color have asked for delays in rent payment, compared to 8 percent of white LGBTQ people and 7 percent of the general population; and
23 percent of LGBTQ people of color have checked if their account has overdrafted, compared to 13 percent of white LGBTQ people and 10 percent of the general population.
The data also shows that across all demographics, many feel that they are worse off financially than they were a year ago, and have taken measures to spend less and change their budgets.
The brief is at www.hrc.org/resources/the-impact-of-covid-19-on-lgbtq-communities-of-color. .