The Black LGBTQ community has experienced “heightened levels” of discrimination in the last year. According to the 2020 Center for American Progress survey, 33% of Black LGBTQ individuals reported experiencing discrimination in the last year, which had a “significant impact” on their daily lives. Nearly one in three reported avoiding public spaces such as stores or restaurants to avoid experiencing discrimination, two in five have moved away from family to prevent “discriminatory experiences,” and one in five have avoided travel. They are also more likely to experience discrimination in LGBTQ spaces compared to their White counterparts. Twenty-percent of Black LGBTQ individuals also reported experiencing discrimination when interacting with law enforcement compared to 13% of White LGBTQ individuals, while 78% of Black LGBTQ individuals report that discrimination has affected their ability to get hired at a job to some degree, compared to 55% of White LGBTQ respondents. Meanwhile, the discrimination they face has impacted their overall mental health: 83% of Black LGBTQ individuals reported that discrimination has negatively affected their physical well-being to some degree. (American Progress)
