Groundbreaking study reveals differences between straight & LGBTQ+ adults during pandemic

[Behind the Aegis]

A new study by the Williams Institute at UCLA finds older LGBTQ+ Americans were affected more negatively by the COVID-19 pandemic than their straight peers.

Using data from the U.S. Census Household Pulse Survey, the report examined the demographics, health, and economic experiences of LGBTQ+ adults aged 50–64 and those aged 65 and older during the COVID-19 pandemic.

That survey data included questions about sexual orientation and gender identity for the first time, granting researchers an unprecedented trove of information about LGBTQ+ Americans.

Here’s what they discovered by the numbers:



more...

[NullTuples]

1. But what's the pre-COVID baseline?

One example: I've known plenty of straight couples from my Gen-x & older generations that simply won't go to therapy because "that's what Jesus / Church is for". They see therapy as something people on the left engage in, and therefore it's seen as somewhat hedonist & indulgent. Good Christians on the other hand, just tough it out and pray away the anxiety. That's why I'd like to see the pre-COVID baseline; the numbers collected may be a normal discrepancy between the two groups.

[Behind the Aegis]

2. You could try to contact the Williams Institute at UCLA.

You bring up some interesting points, and who knows, they may actually have that information. If you do contact them, report back, especially if they respond with info!! I think it would be interesting to know.

[NullTuples]

3. Link to the source - there is so much more in this study

( instead of the news aggregate, "Yahoo!" )

"LGBT Adults Aged 50 and Older in the US During the COVID-19 Pandemic"
https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/older-lgbt-adults-us/

[Behind the Aegis]

4. Did it answer your questions?

[NullTuples]

5. Who knows? I'm following rabbit holes...it really is an interesting set of data.

Some of it seems obvious - such as LGBTQ over 65 years old couples are more likely to have a household size of two than straight couples, but it's good to have it as solid data. It's so interesting to compare this data to other studies that show for instance that LGBTQ households were/are more likely to be vaccinated, but our likelihood of social distancing averaged the same as straight households. The politics, the social structures and pressures, the economic influences - this all helps build a more accurate picture of our communities.

When or if I find the answer to the questions, I'll post it here.