Addressing socio-economic barriers for LGBTI communities. Deadline: Sunday 5 July – 23:59 CEST

On Tuesday, 16 June at 4.30 PM CEST, we will host a webinar where you can learn more about this fund. Register here to participate.

The global COVID-19 pandemic is having a profound impact on LGBTI people. While the virus does not discriminate, it is very clear that it hits marginalised communities in our societies disproportionately hard. In addition, social distancing and other prevention measures, as needed as they are, have unwanted negative impacts on the lives of marginalised groups, including LGBTI communities.

The current public health crisis is putting the spotlight on structural social and economic inequalities within LGBTI communities and beyond. It is likely that the COVID-19 crisis will only deepen these inequalities. Specific challenges faced by LGBTI people are diverse, including increased economic precarity due to sudden loss of job and income, lack of safe housing and rising food insecurity, disruptions in access to healthcare and treatment, increased mental health issues, and risks of family and domestic violence. For the most part, the aggravated impact of the pandemic on LGBTI people is the result of pre-existing social and economic exclusion.

While there is undoubtedly a need to meet short-term needs of LGBTI communities, it is equally important to build the capacity to tackle root causes of socio-economic inequalities and to build more resilience and strength in communities in responding to this crisis and future ones. Read more via ILGA-Europe