Between 2009 and 2019, the share of high school students experiencing feelings of sadness or hopelessness, seriously considering suicide, and creating a suicide plan increased by 40%, 36%, and 44%, respectively. Experts warn that the pandemic has caused these rates to spike again.

In the South, LGBT adults were more likely than non-LGBT adults to have recently lost employment income and experienced food insecurity. In addition, nearly twice as many LGBT adults experienced anxiety compared to non-LGBT adults. Many Southern states have advanced anti-gay legislation in recent months and a recent survey found these efforts have negatively impacted the mental health of LGBTQ youth.

While LGBTQIA+ people remain unseen in many official statistics, the Census Bureau, through its Household Pulse Survey, is providing needed visibility on the experience of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people in America during the pandemic.

While LGBTQIA+ people remain unseen in many official statistics, the Census Bureau, through its Household Pulse Survey, is providing needed visibility on the experience of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people in America during the pandemic.