Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin, with the local participation of Pride Center San Antonio and Texas Pride Impact Funds, are seeking participants for a statewide survey to ascertain the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the LGBTQ community.
The survey, which was initiated on May 4, seeks to understand the concerns and demands faced by LGBTQ Texans during the pandemic. A statewide coalition of community and research partners will collaborate on the project.
According to a press release, “The survey is one of the first studies of its kind anywhere, this research is uncovering data from LGBTQ+ residents across the state of Texas.”
“There are definitely unique challenges that LGBTQ+ people are facing, for example, having to shelter-in-place with someone who does not accept them or even physically or emotionally abuses them for being LGBTQ+,” project lead Dr. Phillip W. Schnarrs of U.T. Austin’s Dell Medical School, said in a statement.
The survey will also focus on how many LGBTQ residents have been tested and diagnosed with Covid-19 and assess their healthcare and their basic needs, like food insecurity, housing and employment needs, and experiences of violence in the home. Another key focus of the survey is to understand how LGBTQ Texans are coping, coming together and showing resilience during the pandemic.
“We are interested in understanding the totality of what LGBTQ+ people are experiencing, how they are coping, and what positive things may be transpiring as well.” Dr. Schnarrs said.
Pride Center San Antonio and Texas Pride Impact Funds are seeking survey participants in the San Antonio-New Braunfels standard metropolitan statistical area. LGBTQ residents have through the end of July 2020 to complete the survey.
“We have seen the challenges as result of the COVID-19 pandemic firsthand at The Center – Pride Center San Antonio, this survey will help us better understand those experiences of our community specifically,” Robert Salcido, executive director of Pride Center San Antonio told Out in SA.
“Learning how LGBTQ+ Texans are coping, coming together and showing resilience during these difficult times will provide us important information in planning for future community needs, especially in a crisis situation,” Salcido added.
Those interested in participating in this survey can do so at this link. For more information, email phillip.schnarrs@austin.utexas.edu.
