The COVID-19 Pandemic Among Sexual and Gender Marginalized Populations in Canada: Physical Distancing Impacts, SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence, and Health and Wellness Needs

Physical distancing may have especially negative effects on marginalized communities such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, Two-Spirit, and other sexual and gender marginalized people (LGBTQ2+). LGBTQ2+ people are more networked socially and sexually compared with other groups. LGBTQ2+ also experience other health inequities such as cardiovascular disease, poorer mental health, and more substance use that may result in greater COVID-19 impacts. This study will determine how COVID-19 impacts LGBTQ2+ people across Canada. We will conduct an online survey of LGBTQ2+ people. Our findings will inform future public health action for LGBTQ2+ people to avoid unintended consequences such as intimate partner and family/domestic violence, anxiety, and depression. Participants will also be mailed a kit to collect a few blood drops to test for COVID-19. This approach may be an important tool for future COVID-19 testing, especially among rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.