How COVID-19 impacts the LGBTQ+ community

YUMA, Ariz. ( KYMA, KECY) - As coronavirus cases continue to increase in the Imperial Valley, the impacts on communities heighten.

The Imperial Valley LGBTQ Resource Center tells News 11 that several folks in the community are being impacted by Covid-19. Especially those in low-income families.

Rosa Diaz, the Founder of the Imperial Valley LGBT Resource Center said that 60 percent of the people they help live at or below the poverty line. She also said that before the pandemic began several people already struggled with stress, anxiety, and even depression.

“Some are still trying to adjust to their families specifically because of their gender identity," said Diaz.

Several people are losing their jobs, many working in Mexico, and living in Calexico, and with the current border restrictions and health crisis has added more stress to the community.

Sofia Kahlo is a drag queen in Mexicali, a lifestyle she said became her passion. She's been putting on shows for four years, but with the crisis forcing shutdowns in Mexicali's nightlife, Sofia is left without an income.

“ I don’t have any type of protection or where I can file for unemployment or any type of help from the government," said Kahlo.

Sofia is part of the transgender community and adds that her community has always been marginalized. “It’s so hard for them to get a name change or get the paperwork in order so that when they show up as a woman to the job interview - the people turn us away because our IDs don’t match our appearance," said Kahlo.

Sofia is not letting this crisis defeat her, she began collaborating with the resource center by making food bags for her community. “We started just building little packets of food, so the first week we were able to give out 40 bags," said Kahlo.  

Sofia hopes making a difference during these tough times is pivotal in helping shift people's perspective about the LGBTQ community.

“I think that will help people see us for who we really are which is just; people," said Kahlo.

If you are looking for help or need assistance from the LGBT Resource center head to their website for all the information.