Despite gains in human rights, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) community continues to face discrimination, familial rejection, mental health and substance use disorders, as well as smoking, and limited access to health services. LGBTQ+ persons are also more likely to experience economic instability and to work in public-facing jobs considered essential. Consequently, the LGBTQ+ population was thought to be at an elevated risk of infection and complications associated with COVID-19.
With an estimated more than 700,000 LGBTQ+ residents, NYC represents the largest LGBTQ+ population in the US, however, information on COVID-19 vaccine intentions and uptake among LGBTQ+ persons is scant, as well as factors associated with vaccine hesitancy. To gain insights into the burden of COVID-19 disease and the effects of the COVID pandemic on this population, ICAP at Columbia University, a global health center situated at the Mailman School of Public Health, conducted an online survey: the LGBTQ+ Experience due to COVID-19 in New York City (LEXICON) study.
The journal, Open Forum Infectious Diseases recently published an article on this study. You can also download the full report via ICAP at Columbia University.