Research Details Economic Impact of COVID-19 on Transgender Community

New research from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) and PSB Research reveals the disproportionate economic impact COVID-19 has had on the transgender community.

The research found that transgender people are more likely to have become unemployed due to the pandemic, had work hours reduced, and asked for delays in paying rent and bills.

54 percent of transgender people and 58 percent of trans people of color have had their work hours reduced due to COVID-19, compared to 30 percent of LGBTQ people and 23 percent of the general population. 27 percent of trans people and 37 percent of trans people of color experienced a pay cut, compared to 10 percent and seven percent of LGBTQ people and the general population, respectively.

29 percent of trans people and 31 percent of trans people of color were also forced to take unpaid leave due to the coronavirus, while only 15 percent of LGBTQ people and seven percent of the general population had to do the same. 27 and 30 percent of trans people and trans people of color, respectively, were forced to switch to part time, compared to eight percent of LGBTQ people and five percent of the general population, and 19 percent of the transgender community—26 percent of color—have faced unemployment, compared to 17 percent of LGBTQ people and 12 percent of the general population.

These negative economic effects have led to financial hardship for many trans people; 32 percent of trans people and 51 percent of trans people of color have had a change in their household budget because of the coronavirus, while 30 percent of LGBTQ people and 26 percent of the general population had the same. 59 percent of transgender people—67 percent for those of color—are reportedly very concerned they cannot pay their bills on debt other than mortgages. 20 percent of LGBTQ people and 15 percent of the general population reported the same.

This new data builds on prior data showing the disproportionate impact of coronavirus on the LGBTQ community as a whole.

“This new data makes clear the economic fallout from COVID-19 had hit the transgender community especially hard,” said HRC President Alphonso David. “For transgender people of color, the systemic barriers in employment, housing, and health care compound the hardship faced by so many during this pandemic. The impact of COVID-19 on LGBTQ people, particularly transgender people and people of color, reinforces that we cannot protect public health without equality for all.”

The data comes alongside HRC’s “Finding Financial Stability During Turbulent Times,” a new resources providing steps LGBTQ people can take to navigate financial hardship. The guide includes information on unemployment benefits, federal payments, and recommendations for raising funds.