Coronavirus (COVID-19) LGBTQ+ Resource Guide for Nevadans

During the current Coronavirus pandemic, many Nevadans are facing issues from business closures, social distancing, unemployment, and much more. Additionally, the LGBTQ+ community is more susceptible to experiencing the negative impacts of the crisis. The Human Rights Campaign in Nevada wants to ensure that LGBTQ+ Nevadans have the help they need to get through the pandemic. Below are several resources around the state that are specifically relevant to our community. There are also links at the end of this guide to additional resources that are not LGBTQ+ specific. If you still need help with something not covered in this guide, please feel free to reach out the HRC Nevada team. 

Why LGBTQ+ People are at Greater Risk:

LGBTQ+ Centers

            LGBTQ+ centers are either closed or operating at limited capacity during this time. Below you’ll find info about the status of Nevada’s two centers and their recurring events. There is also some information about other ways you can engage with the community. 

Reno: Our Center- Reno’s LGBTQ+ center is closed until further notice

  • Recurring events: As of now, we don’t have any information about any of the events and meetings being made into virtual events. We will add information here if any of those events become virtual.  

Las Vegas: The Center- Essential services are still available. The Center is open to assist individuals in our community who may be in crisis or immediate need. They will also continue providing mental health services through Affirmations in partnership with Community Counseling Center. Staff is at The Center during their business hours and you will be allowed in if you request an essential service.

  • All recurring events, support groups, and meetings are available via zoom. A link for free download is available on their website.
  • Virtual Groups + Meetings (times and days vary): Bi/Pandemonium: Bisexual, Pansexual Las Vegas, Identi-T Trans Programs Check-In, Name and Gener Marker Change Workshop, Queer Financial Education, Narcotics Anonymous, PFLAG Meeting.
  • The Center’s Wellness Clinic: Closed until further notice.

Other events: Since LGBTQ+ centers are closed or open only for essential services, some of the usual events and meetings at those centers have been cancelled. If you’re looking for space to connect with other queer people and allies, HRC will be hosting virtual events throughout the pandemic. You can find HRC NV virtual events here.

HIV Resources

Limited data currently available indicates that the Coronavirus does NOT affect people living with HIV differently from people without HIV. Nonetheless, we know that people with compromised immune systems are particularly susceptible to acquiring the virus. Consequently, people living with HIV should carefully follow the guidelines from the CDC, including social distancing and staying at home. People living with HIV may also have other medical conditions (such as cardiovascular disease or lung disease) that may increase their risk for infection. 

People living with HIV should ensure that they’re sticking to their treatment plans schedules. If possible, PLHIV should use telehealth to maintain their medical appointments.  It is also recommended that PLHIV have extra antiviral medications. PLHIV should also ensure that they’re staying up to date on their vaccinations, including influenza and pneumonia vaccinations. If you need help paying for any medications, including hormone injections, see our resources for prescription assistance.

State-wide Free Testing Locations: https://endhivnevada.org/free-hiv-testing-locations-in-nevada/

  • If you want to get tested at one of these locations, please call ahead to make sure they are still open during the pandemic. 

Las Vegas:

  • Southern Nevada Health District HIV/STD Screening Clinics are temporarily suspended. 
  • Aid for AIDS of Nevada: AFAN (1830 E Sahara Ave. #210 LV, Nevada) offers the following resources:
    • HIV Testing is available Monday through Friday 8:30 am – 11am and 1pm-4pm, by appointment only. Anyone over the age of 13 is welcome to be tested. 
    • Staff is available to provide assistance in English and Spanish and AFAN’s case managers can provide subsequent counseling and other support services.

Transgender Resources

Transgender individuals who use hormone injections should ensure that they have an adequate amount of their medication. If you need help paying for any medications, including hormone injections, see our resources for prescription assistance.

Transgender and need to seek medical care?

  • Check out this article about going to the emergency room if you’re transgender: http://www.newnownext.com/transgender-er-prep-coronavirus/03/2020/
  • In 2019, Nevada passed Senate Bill 364. The bill requires medical facilities and their employees to abide by the following: 
    • Cannot discriminate against patients on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or HIV status (in other words, you cannot be denied care, denied admission, or treated differently based on these identities or statuses)
    • Must maintain the confidentiality of a patient’s sexual orientation, whether or not a patient is transgender, and a patient’s HIV status
    • Use a patient’s preferred name and pronouns

Counseling Services

Research shows that many LGBTQ+ people suffer more from mental health issues than their cisgender and hetereosexual peers. This may be due to discrimination, harrassment, or many other factors. During this period of self-isolation, many people may be experiencing worse mental health issues. 

Free counselling and support services:

  • The United Citizens Foundation is a nonprofit in Las Vegas that offers mental and behavioral health services. During the Coronavirus pandemic, they’ll be offering mental health services to all Nevadans at no cost. They have two options available:
    • Telehealth services can be scheduled by calling (702) 888-6300.
    • In person services will be offered at their at North Las Vegas and Southwest Las Vegas locations. Call (702) 888-6300 to schedule an appointment. 
  • 24/7 crisis support services are offered by Crisis Support Services of Nevada. Find help by calling 1 (800) 273-8255 or by texting “CARE” to 839863. 
  • Other support hotlines:
    • Trevor Project Youth Lifeline: (866) 488-7386
    • LGBT National Hotline: (800) 246-7743
    • Trans Hotline: (877) 565-8860

Prescription Assistance

Many LGBTQ+ rely on vital medications, such as hormone injections or antiviral drugs. If you need assistance paying for your medications during this time, the following services can help. Note that these organizations also offer a plethora of other assistance programs that you can learn about at the links provided. 

Links to other resources

Senator Rosen Resource Guide

Senator Cortez Masto Resource Guide

Nevada Health Response

NV Independent Resource Guide

Nevada Unemployment Insurance Resources

Make the Road Resource Guide- Spanish materials

Battle Born Progress Resource Guide- General Coronavirus resources/ In Spanish

If you need additional assistance with a federal agency, please reach out to our federal delegation.