COVID-19 and LGBTQ Emerging Adults: Risk in the Face of Social Distancing

The coronavirus pandemic that began in December 2019 (COVID-19) quickly spread globally with an increased transmission in the United States beginning in March 2020. Social distancing guidelines were instituted across the country, limiting contact individuals could have with others. This compared the mental health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) emerging adults who completed the survey before (n = 1,190) many social distancing guidelines went into effect with those who completed the survey after (n = 705). Participants who participated in the survey after social distancing guidelines were initiated reported lower levels of hope for the future, higher levels of alcohol use, a lower sense of connection to and pride regarding the LGBTQ community, and a lower sense of minority stress. Results indicate a detrimental response to social distancing in the days immediately following the onset of such guidelines as confusion reigned and expectations changed day to day.