The Impacts of Covid-19

The impacts of Covid-19 on LGBTI+ communities were discussed in three submissions (BelongTo, GHN and LGBTI). BelongTo recommended prioritising access to LGBTI+ youth services “as we continue to live with Covid-19”, especially those that address loneliness, isolation and mental health challenges. BelongTo referred to recent research on the impacts of Covid-19 on LGBTI+ youth during the pandemic: ‘LGBTI+ Lives in Lockdown’ and ‘How’s Your Head: Young Voices During Covid-19’. LGBTI also referred to recent research, which documents the ‘isolation, loneliness and loss’ experienced by callers to the LGBT Helpline, as a result of Covid-19 measures. They recommended prioritising civil society and the community sector in responding to these challenges. For the GHN, the redeployment of healthcare staff to Covid-19 related services has resulted in the ongoing closure of Gay Men’s Health Services in Dublin which, they suggested, is cause for concern.