Opinions: DC LGBTQ Budget Coalition’s priorities must be addressed — Blade
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, nonprofit entities have played a pivotal role in supporting the most vulnerable Washingtonians, especially LGBTQ+ and trans/non-binary individuals in the region. According to the CDC, LGBTQ+ people have higher rates of underlying health conditions associated with a more severe COVID-19 response, which are especially prevalent among our Black and Brown communities.
Furthermore, the transgender and non-binary community has faced uniquely disproportionate vulnerability to severe short- and long-term health risks associated with COVID-19. Beyond COVID-19, 38% of the District’s homeless youth identify as LGBTQ+, and we have the highest per capita hate crime rate of any major city in the country. LGBTQ+ seniors are two times more likely to face social isolation and 41% of trans seniors are reported to have attempted suicide.
Local non-profits, HIPS, SMYAL, the Wanda Alston Foundation, Casa Ruby, and many other organizations, provide critical resources to support at-risk individuals to ensure they have basic human resources to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. These non-profits also provide essential services throughout the year to uplift individuals at all stages of life, and fight to combat hate crime rates in the District.
