Introduction
Race and sexual orientation are two of the most polarizing factors in terms of societal acceptance and access to basic services. The well-being of Black LGBTQ+ individuals in the US is heavily affected by both racial and sexual prejudice. Members of this demographic are vulnerable to bigotry and hate and may not receive equal employment and healthcare opportunities. Hence, it is necessary to establish basic guidelines for a healthy Black LGBTQ+ community to promote equality among all members of society.
Economic Factors
Firstly, it is essential to look at the economic aspects of the lives of the Black LGBTQ+ community. Currently, the community has an estimated 1,210,000 Black people in the U.S. who identify as LGBT (Choi et al,.2021). Black LGBT adults are more likely to face economic insecurity, with nearly 40% of adults having less than $24,000 annual household income (Choi et al,.2021).
Moreover, Black LGBT individuals have a higher risk of unemployment (14% vs. 10%) and more struggles with bringing food onto the table (37% vs. 27%) than non-LGBT Blacks (Choi et al,.2021). To mitigate these differences, employment quotas can be introduced to enhance the economic well-being of the community. Thus, a healthy Black LGBTQ+ community will need to have employment quotas to provide its members with equal economic opportunities.
Health Aspects
Second, the emotional and physical health of those who identify as Black and LGBT is poorer. The members of the community are more likely to have health problems than their non-LGBT counterparts (Choi et al,.2021). Compared to 15% of Black non-LGBT individuals, 26% of Black LGBT people have depression (Choi et al,.2021). Moreover, they have a higher probability of engaging in high-risk health behaviors (Choi et al., 2021).
Lastly, female community members are more likely to lack health insurance (Choi et al., 2021). These problems can be mitigated through healthcare campaigns, where community members will be offered more affordable insurance plans, both for mental and physical health. Hence, this community will need to offer affordable insurance policies that cater to the financial capabilities of its members, as well as their health needs and special requirements.
Social Discrimination
Ultimately, it is essential to address discrimination and prejudice directed at members of the community. Most of the LGBT and non-LGBT Black people (82% and 79% respectively) experience hate and discrimination regularly (Choi et al,.2021). Black LGBT individuals possess a high rate of victimization, including frequent verbal and physical attacks and molestation, as well as robberies and property damage. Black LGBT individuals are frequently denied employment or have their employment terminated, and 30% of them said they had received a poor review or were denied a promotion (Choi et al,.2021).
The issue of social discrimination is incredibly complex, but it can be mitigated through a combination of actions. Informational campaigns about the community can be launched to target the general population and mitigate this issue. Moreover, law enforcement can be instructed to take prompt action on the reports and communicate with the community. Thus, an important guideline for a healthy Black LGBTQ+ community is informational campaigns and police instructions that prevent violence and hate.
Conclusion
Hence, the people who identify as Black and LGBTQ+ experience inequality and discrimination in all facets of everyday life. However, a healthy community can be established if some crucial guidelines are followed. It will need to have employment quotas so that community members can provide for themselves and their families.
Moreover, cheaper insurance is a requirement, as Black LGBTQ+ people have different healthcare needs and incomes. Finally, constant informational campaigns and instructions to the police must be issued to ensure the community’s safety from violence and hate. Thus, with all of the mentioned societal changes combined, the US will be able to ensure a healthy Black LGBTQ+ community.
Reference
Choi, S. K., Wilson, B. D. M., & Mallory, C. (2021). Black LGBT adults in the US. The Williams Institute.