Most LGBT+ people are taking coronavirus
very seriously but some are still insisting they will go for dates and hook-ups
during the pandemic.
That’s
according to a new survey which took a snapshot of LGBT+ people in the UK about
COVID-19.
It shows 57%
of LGBT+ people feel their lives will be worse off in six months time as a
result of the pandemic.
Moreover, most
are very concerned about it.
Around nine in
10 of those surveyed believe coronavirus is a threat to their health. That
figure is lowest in under 18-year-olds, but even among them, 88% agree it’s a
threat. It’s highest in those aged 65 or over – 95% say it’s a threat.
Meanwhile, 32%
of people, almost a third, are worried because they are officially vulnerable
or have a pre-existing medical condition. And another 18% say their biggest
worry is that their partner, family member or friend is vulnerable. 3% are
scared they may die.
Dating,
hook-ups, the gym and Pride
Events in the
UK have overtaken part of the survey. It asked how people may change their
lives to protect themselves and others.
However,
researchers from Queer Voices Heard ran the survey from 13 to 20 March. Since
then, the government has effectively shut down the UK, closing gyms, bars,
clubs, non-essential shops and more.
But even
before that happened, 68% said they would stop going to LGBT+ venues during the
pandemic. Meanwhile almost two thirds said they would stop using the gym.
Despite this
high level or responsibility, a few do not agree.
The survey
reveals that 28% would still go on dates during the pandemic and 24% would
attend LGBT+ events. Moreover, 16% would have sex or hook-ups.
However, there
is good news for Pride organizers who have cancelled events during the
pandemic.
The results
show that 75% of people support the decision to cancel or postpone Prides. And
only 7% oppose it.
Already around
60 Pride events across the UK have cancelled or postponed. The Prides in
Birmingham and London are among the high-profile postponements so far.
Who should
advice come from?
Sadly, the
survey shows LGBT+ public confidence is not good for 2020.
A massive 57%
of those in the survey said they expected their lives to be worse in six months
time. Only 17% expected them to be better.
Meanwhile,
people are looking to LGBT+ organizations to give them advice and support
during the pandemic.
88% of people
said the UK government is very or partially responsible for their health
advice. However, over three quarters are expecting that advice from sexual
health clinics, healthcare charities and LGBT+ media.
GSN takes this
responsibility seriously. We have already published articles with advice,
including these:
And for HIV positive people.
‘Vital we
listen to our community’
Max Willson
lead researcher on this study, says:
‘There is a
genuine fear within the LGBTQ+ community, which is shared more widely in society,
that COVID-19 poses a real threat to our physical health, mental health, the
relationships that we have with others, and our way of life.
‘The way we
live our lives will undoubtedly change because of COVID-19. And the way in
which our community, and society more generally, adapts to these changes will
be key over the next six months.’
Meanwhile, Stu
Hosker, co-founder of Queer Voices Heard, which ran the survey, adds:
‘When mental
health and social isolation already disproportionately affects our community
than the general population, it’s vital that we listen to the voices in our
community who are most vulnerable – physically, mentally, and socially – and
address how we keep their best interests in mind during this unprecedented
health emergency.’
SOURCE: GAY STAR NEWS
Like I said in the previous comment (think it's the next article), stupid people will be animals like before and risk their life just like they did before, especially the ones who have unprotected sex and/or are promiscuous. Good luck to them, they'll need it.
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