The COVID-19 pandemic is changing how we live, work and relate to each other, here in New Zealand and around the world. This is a really challenging time for everyone. The government’s official COVID-19 website is the best place to get up-to-date information about what’s going on and where to find help.

We’ve put this page together for people who are working with, supporting or living with rainbow people. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected rainbow communities, individuals and support organisations in a range of ways. Community-led support services and resources are available to help.

How could the COVID-19 pandemic affect rainbow people and rainbow community organisations?

At the best of times, rainbow people face higher rates of mental distress than their peers, connected with their experiences of social exclusion and discrimination. Some, particularly transgender and non-binary whānau, are more likely to face unemployment, housing insecurity and barriers to accessing health and social services.

Since Aotearoa had its first cases of COVID-19 and the country went into lockdown, we’ve seen some specific challenges emerge, including:

  • increases in violence, rejection and isolation during lockdowns, connected with being stuck in unsupportive or abusive home environments. For example, 36% of LGBTQI+ young people surveyed in MYD’s Youth Pulse Check stated that they felt unsafe in their bubble at least some of the time.

  • isolation from rainbow communities and peer groups during lockdowns, when social spaces and schools are closed. Some people access online support, while others face barriers because of safety concerns, for example unsupportive whānau overhearing conversations. Many rainbow organisations developed new online services as a response to lockdowns, and face pressure on staff and volunteer time as they transition to providing both in-person and online services.

  • delays and uncertainty in accessing gender-affirming healthcare. There were already gaps in healthcare provision before COVID-19, but these have been amplified as health resources are reprioritised to the pandemic response. Delays, cancellations and uncertainty about whether care would be provided have increased anxiety and distress for many young people.

  • significant anxiety about acquiring COVID-19 infection among those who have compromised immune systems, including people living with HIV, people living with some intersex variations, and transgender people who are more likely to be living with long-term health conditions than their peers. Rainbow people are also generally more likely to experience barriers to accessing healthcare, and be concerned that they will not receive safe or effective support when doing so (some local references about this: 1,2,3,4,5).

  • unemployment and housing insecurity, which are already experienced at higher rates by rainbow people (1,2,3) and are made worse by discrimination from employers, housing providers, and social service agencies.

  • reduced funding availability for rainbow community organisations as philanthropic funding, corporate donations and individual giving are all reduced because of the economic downturn. Specific government funds have been set up to address the needs of women, Māori, Pacific, older people, people with disabilities, people with current significant health considerations, migrant communities and people who are rurally isolated, but as yet no similar fund has been developed for rainbow communities.

These issues can affect rainbow people of any age. We’re also worried about social isolation for older rainbow people, who are more likely to be living alone, less likely to have children, and less likely to have family support than their peers.

For decision makers

If you’re developing a COVID-19 response for your agency, community or organisation, these resources will help you make sure you’re including rainbow communities:

You can also get in touch with us for advice.

For youth workers

These resources for youth workers were developed during lockdown, but provide reflections that remain relevant for supporting young people through different stages of the pandemic:

If you’re thinking about how to improve your youth service’s responsiveness to rainbow young people, our evaluate tool is a great place to start.

For rainbow people and their whānau

If you’re looking for help with any of these issues for yourself or someone you’re working with, these are places where you can find direct support:

If you or someone you’re supporting is feeling stressed about any of these issues, you’re not alone. These links provide tips, advice and stories about LGBTI+ experiences with COVID, and looking after your mental health and wellbeing.