Post submitted by Viet Tran (he/him/they/them), former HRC Press Secretary

Today, President Joe Biden signed the historic American Rescue Plan to rebuild our economy and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, including working to reduce the poverty rate and lower health care costs for millions of Americans. In response, Human Rights Campaign President Alphonso David issued the following statement:

“By signing the historic American Rescue Plan today, President Biden is taking a critical step toward providing COVID-19 relief to millions of Americans by protecting thousands of jobs, reducing the poverty rate and lowering health care costs.

“The American Rescue Plan will have an unprecedented and dramatic impact on the day-to-day lives of millions of Americans, including LGBTQ people and especially LGBTQ people of color who are more than likely to work jobs in highly affected industries and live in poverty or low-income households. We thank President Biden, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Schumer for prioritizing COVID-19 relief for desperate families and marginalized communities.”

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation published a research brief outlining health and economic risks faced by the LGBTQ community during the COVID-19 public health crisis. This brief provides critical data for policymakers and community advocates working to address the health and safety needs of the community during this crisis.

• LGBTQ people are more vulnerable to the health risks of the virus;
• 17% of LGBTQ people lack health coverage;
• ​One in five LGBTQ people have not seen a doctor when they needed to because they couldn’t afford it;
• LGBTQ people are more likely to work jobs in highly affected industries, often with more exposure and/or higher economic sensitivity to the COVID-19 crisis; and
• One in five LGBTQ people live in poverty and 40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ.