August 12, 2021 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released new data finding that the vast majority – 92% – of LGBTQ+ adults surveyed in the United States had received at least one vaccination for COVID-19. Supported by The Rockefeller Foundation, this first-of-its-kind LGBTQ+-focused vaccination data is provided through the Community Marketing & Insights’ (CMI) 15th annual LGBTQ Community Survey of over 15,000 LGBTQ+ adult respondents.

Although vaccination rates vary somewhat within the LGBTQ+ community, the rates across race and ethnicity, gender identity and sexual orientation, and age are well above the rates for various general adult populations where the data are available:

• By race and ethnicity, 90% of Latinx respondents, 85% of Black respondents, 96% of Asian or Pacific Islander respondents, and 85% of Native American/Alaskan and Middle Eastern/North African LGBTQ+ adults, among other race identities have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

• By gender identity and sexual orientation, 92% of cisgender lesbian and bi+ women, 93% of cisgender gay and bi+ men, and 92% of transgender and non-binary people have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

• By age, 91% of LGBTQ+ respondents aged 18-34, 92% of LGBTQ+ respondents aged 35-5, and 94% of LGBTQ+ respondents aged 55 and older have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine

While vaccination rates are high, COVID-19 took a toll on well-being among respondents. The survey finds that 59% of LGBTQ+ respondents reported that COVID-19 made them feel socially isolated, and 50% of respondents reported that it impacted their mental health.

The data finds the COVID-19 pandemic led to social and financial loss, especially among LGBTQ+ people of color:

• 21% of LGBTQ+ adults surveyed reported that a close family member or friend has died from COVID-19

• LGBTQ+ people of color surveyed reported higher levels of loss due to COVID-19 compared to white LGBTQ+ people:

  • 30% of Latinx LGBTQ+ respondents

  • 28% of Black LGBTQ+ respondents

  • 25% of Native American/Alaskan and Middle Eastern/North African LGBTQ+ respondents, among other race identities

  • 18% of Asian/Pacific Islander LGBTQ+ respondents

  • 17% of white LGBTQ+ respondents

• 36% of LGBTQ+ respondents reported that a close friend or family member has become very sick from COVID-19

• 24% of LGBTQ+ respondents reported that COVID-19 has negatively impacted their financial well-being

• LGBTQ+ people of color surveyed are more likely than white LGBTQ+ people to have experienced a negative financial impact during the pandemic:

  • 33% of Native American/Alaskan and Middle Eastern/North African LGBTQ+ adults, among other race identities

  • 26% of Asian/Pacific Islander LGBTQ+ adults

  • 26% of Latinx LGBTQ+ adults

  • 25% of Black LGBTQ+ adults

  • 22% of white LGBTQ+ adults

The 2021 LGBTQ Community Survey, a 15-year research project of Community Marketing & Insights, was produced in partnership with Wells Fargo, the HRC Foundation, and CMI Media Group. The survey includes data from a national sample of 15,042 self-identified LGBTQ+ community members living in the United States recruited through CMI’s proprietary LGBTQ+ research panel and through partnerships with over 100 LGBTQ+ media, events, and organizations. The data are inclusive of diverse identities in terms of race, age, education level and other demographic factors and produce results with large confidence due to its sample size. Because the survey is widely distributed, with little control over the response or sample, the data cannot be extended to the population of LGBTQ+ adults in the U.S. In addition, the nature of the survey recruitment and distribution may partially contribute to higher levels of vaccination in the sample. Results should be viewed as a market study on LGBTQ+ community members who interact with LGBTQ+ media and organizations. Read the full report at CMI.info.

The new data build on the HRC Foundation’s previously released reports, including the most recent report, “COVID-19 and the LGBTQ Community: Vaccinations and the Economic Toll of the Pandemic,” which was released as a part of the HRC Foundation’s vaccine public education campaign: “For Ourselves, For Each Other: Getting to the Other Side of the Pandemic.” The HRC Foundation has also partnered with the Black Trans Advocacy Coalition on a resource, “Finding Financial Stability During Turbulent Times,” with steps and advice for those who may be struggling to make ends meet during these difficult times. Read more about the HRC Foundation’s efforts during COVID-19 here.

The Rockefeller Foundation is supporting the Human Rights Campaign Foundation on a number of COVID-19-related projects to support research and community education to reach LGBTQ communities of color during this crisis through The Rockefeller Foundation’s Equity-First Vaccination Initiative. Learn more here.

About The Human Rights Campaign Foundation

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people. Through its programs, the HRC Foundation seeks to make transformational change in the everyday lives of LGBTQ+ people, shedding light on inequity and deepening the public’s understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, with a clear focus on advancing transgender and racial justice. Its work has transformed the landscape for more than 15 million workers, 11 million students, 600,000 clients in the adoption and foster care system and so much more. The HRC Foundation provides direct consultation and technical assistance to institutions and communities, driving the advancement of inclusive policies and practices; it builds the capacity of future leaders and allies through fellowship and training programs; and, with the firm belief that we are stronger working together, it forges partnerships with advocates in the U.S. and around the globe to increase our impact and shape the future of our work.

About The Rockefeller Foundation

The Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering philanthropy built on collaborative partnerships at the frontiers of science, technology, and innovation to enable individuals, families, and communities to flourish. We work to promote the well-being of humanity and make opportunity universal. Our focus is on scaling renewable energy for all, stimulating economic mobility, and ensuring equitable access to healthy and nutritious food. For more information, sign up for our newsletter at rockefellerfoundation.org and follow us on Twitter @RockefellerFdn.

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