ALFO survey: LGBTI individuals in Oceania struggle with multitude of Covid19 related challenges

Isolated territories in Oceania were able to close their borders at an early stage and avoid the spread of the Coronavirus, but this did not render the population immune from collateral damage caused by the pandemic.  An ALFO survey collected data from 145 people with the objective to assess how the pandemic impacted on LGBTIQ individuals. This survey was accessible on the internet (15 March to 30 April 2020) and ALFO also initiated discussions with its networks and individuals. The sample group came from Oceania, francophone Africa and French overseas territories.

The survey covered a range of themes such as respondents’ health status, economic situation, perception of isolation and pandemic, solidarity, the situation before/during the pandemic, government response, personal experiences, community initiatives and expectations from ALFO.  The majority of the respondents are in reasonably good health, but half of the group does not have proper health coverage. Some 66 % faced financial difficulties within two weeks of lockdown and 10 % after some seven weeks. The survey shows a large degree of solidarity in the LGBTIQ community ranging from financial and material support to maintaining regular personal contacts, providing shelter and mental support.

Almost ¾ of the respondents have difficulties in dealing with the pandemic situation. Border closure and lockdown are perceived as positive measures, but many fear that insufficient general screening and lack of immunity might raise the number of infections when borders re-open.  Restrictions in movement and social contact created fear and stress about the unknown.  Many respondents report a lack of transparent and timely decision-making, communication and information (in particular absence of LGBTIQ visibility in public messages), with social networks and social media getting priority over official communication channels.

Reduced financial autonomy is one of the main challenges in view of loss of income exacerbated by a cost increase for products and services (e.g. limited access to HIV medication, limited access to face masks and hand wash). Another important concern is the exponential increase in LGBTIQ-specific challenges such as harassment, domestic violence, discrimination and racism related to appearance, handicap, gender, lack of medication and postponed surgery for transgender people, etc. 

The survey shed light on the precarious situation of the LGBTIQ community in Oceania, francophone Africa and French territories. The community expects from the authorities, in close cooperation with ALFO and its partners, appropriate and timely action and health protection that takes into consideration the special needs and respects the human rights of LGBTIQ individuals.  Authorities need to look into the psychological impact of the pandemic and recognize the particular financial consequences faced by LGBIQ individuals especially sex workers and those working in the informal sector. ALFO and partner agencies will work with the authorities, civil society, professionals, families and the public at large to ensure that issues mentioned in the survey will receive necessary attention and promote integration of the LGBTIQ community.

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