Human Rights Campaign Releases New Data Showing Latinx LGBTQ People Suffer Disproportionate Impact From COVID-19 Economic Fallout

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black-trans-lives — HRC has also partnered with the Black Trans Advocacy Coalition on a resource, “Finding Financial Stability During Turbulent Times,” with steps and advice for those who may be struggling to make ends meet during these difficult times.

Latinx LGBTQ people are more likely to have had their employment adversely impacted and are more likely to have financial challenges than the general population due to COVID-19.

WASHINGTON — Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) — the educational arm of America’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization — released new data outlining the economic impact of COVID-19 on Latinx LGBTQ people.

The new research shows that Latinx LGBTQ people are more likely to have had their employment adversely impacted due to the virus, are more likely to have made changes to their household budgets and are more likely to have asked for delays in paying various expenses for necessities than the general population. The research, released in partnership with PSB Insights, builds on prior data showing the negative economic impact of the pandemic on LGBTQ people, especially LGBTQ people of colour, transgender and LGBTQ people of colour and Black LGBTQ people.

“This new research shows that Latinx LGBTQ people are suffering a disproportionate impact when it comes to the economic fallout of COVID-19,” said Human Rights Campaign President Alphonso David. “As we celebrate Latinx heritage month, we must acknowledge that those living at the intersections of multiple marginalized identities face harsher consequences of the pandemic. Policymakers must take heed and provide equitable relief solutions commensurate to the challenges that LGBTQ people of color are facing.”

The data show that:

40% of Latinx LGBTQ respondents had their work hours reduced due to COVID-19, compared to 32% of Latinx respondents, 27% of LGBTQ respondents and 21% of the general sample population.
20% of Latinx LGBTQ respondents became unemployed due to COVID-19, compared to 16% of Latinx respondents, 15% of LGBTQ people and 11% of the general sample population

These economic realities have also led to financial challenges for Latinx LGBTQ people, causing many to make changes to their budgets and ask for delays in paying various expenses for necessities:

38% of Latinx LGBTQ respondents have made changes to their household budgets, compared to 33% of Latinx respondents, 30% of LGBTQ respondents and 26% of the general sample population.
22% of Latinx LGBTQ respondents have taken out more cash from the bank than 16% of Latinx respondents, 18% of LGBTQ respondents, and 12% of the general sample population.
18% of Latinx LGBTQ respondents have checked to see if their bank account has overdraft, compared to 13% of Latinx respondents, 14% of LGBTQ respondents and 10% of the general sample population.
13% of Latinx LGBTQ respondents have asked for delays in paying their rent, compared to 9% of Latinx respondents, 11% of LGBTQ respondents and 7% of the general sample population.

Any aid packages that are meant to help combat this pandemic and its effects must take this new data into account as well as the impact that the virus is having on the health of the Latinx community. Policymakers must take immediate action to ensure that multiple marginalized communities receive timely relief commensurate to the challenges that they are facing.

HRC has also partnered with the Black Trans Advocacy Coalition on a resource, “Finding Financial Stability During Turbulent Times,” with steps and advice for those who may be struggling to make ends meet during these difficult times.

Read more about HRC’s efforts during COVID-19 here.