The Impact of COVID-19 on Gender Minorities
by Kryss Shane, MS, MSW, LSW, LMSW
Although every American is experiencing COVID-19 together, gender minorities are facing this new situation while still being forced to consider the realities of being a gender minority in America. Who counts as a gender minority? Anyone whose gender identity is not exactly aligned to the gender they were assigned at birth. This includes transgender people (identifying as the opposite gender from the one they were assigned at birth), gender fluid people (whose gender identity fluctuates), gender non-conforming people (whose gender does not fit into a “male” or “female” box), and agender people (who identify as not having a gender at all).
Before COVID-19, this group of people faced ongoing bigotry and harassment just for being themselves. They have a higher rate of being victims of hate crimes, assaults, rapes, and murders. Many have experienced verbal and/or physical assault by police, most have been mocked by medical staff during appointments, and all have to live with the awareness that it may be safer for them to hide than to seek help or support if they are ever victimized. At a time in which it is vital to society for a person with symptoms of COVID-19 to seek medical testing and treatment, it is possible that a member of a gender minority may attempt to self-quarantine rather than risk being mistreated by medical staff. This may prevent them from getting the care they need, which can increase the risk of permanent damage or death.
In addition, it is very common for gender minorities to be ostracized by their families of origin. As a result, they may not be receiving the emotional support we all want during the time of a worldwide pandemic. Those who have created their own families (called Chosen Families) may not be able to get to them, as a result of the bans on travel and the closures of community gathering spaces. Plus, some states are trying to pass anti-transgender laws, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Understandably, this can make a person feel personally attacked at a time when the world is being attacked by this virus. The result can further the stigmas, fears, and needs of gender minorities.
It becomes even more vital for social workers to recognize the needs of gender minorities and to be prepared to support them during this time (and after the pandemic ends). If you have friends or clients who identify as gender minorities, reach out and offer support. If you have a local LGBT+ center or transgender support group in your area, reach out to leadership and offer to assist in any way you can. (Even if someone does not ask you for anything, receiving the offer from someone who cares enough to reach out can be uplifting in a time of great anxiety.) In addition, now is a great time to update your knowledge base on the experiences and needs of gender minorities in your community, your state, the country, and the world. This helps to prepare you for when the pandemic ends, and it will make you a great resource for your colleagues and organization!
If you encounter anyone who may be unsafe and who identifies as a gender minority, provide them with the contact information for The Trevor Project Lifeline. This free 24/7 phone, online chat, and texting source is specifically designed to help those who identify as sexual and/or gender minorities. If you are currently employed, your organization may have a self-harm prevention protocol. While it is vital to follow the directions given to you, offering this information allows the individual to be helped and to be heard by those who are specially trained for the nuances and realities of being a gender minority in today’s America. The Trevor Project can be reached via TheTrevorProject.org (for the online chat option) or 1-866-488-7386 (phone call) or by texting START to 678678. They are also always looking for volunteers who can work either in person or remotely during a variety of times and shifts, something else you may wish to consider.
Kryss Shane, MS, MSW, LSW, LMSW (she/her), has been referred to as "America's Leading LGBT+ Expert" by major media outlets worldwide. She has spent 25+ years promoting LGBT+ acceptance and affirmation and is the author of The Educator's Guide to LGBT+ Inclusion. She offers online trainings and webinars and can be reached via ThisIsKryss.com.