This year for Pride, Food Lifeline stands in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community as they celebrate this month and remember the Stonewall Riots that paved the way for the LGBTQ+ Civil Rights movement in the United States. In the past few years, we have seen incredible advancements for members of the LGBTQ+ community from marriage equality, the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, and improved access to health services for transgender people to name a few. Unfortunately, for every success there is just another problem that must be tackled – from rising hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people to hateful legislation like the anti-Trans bills that are sweeping the nation. Businesses and organizations can still claim religious exemption allowing discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals and there is no clear federal legislation preventing discrimination in critical areas of our lives: housing and access to vital medical services.
The LGBTQ+ population is a vulnerable one and that was only exacerbated by the pandemic. We know that the LGBTQ+ population experiences food insecurity to a much higher degree than the general population:
- 27% of all LGBTQ+ individuals are experiencing food insecurity.
- 37% of Black LGBTQ+ individuals, 35% of API individuals, and 31% of Latinx individuals all experience food insecurity (compared to 22% for their white counterparts & 37% for non-specified people of color).
- 31% of LBT women are experiencing food insecurity.
- 30% of LGBTQ+ young adults (age 18-34) are experiencing food insecurity.
- Same-gender couples with children are 10% more likely to live in poverty – 24% of LGBTQ+ couples are likely to live in poverty versus 14% of heterosexual couples.
Food Lifeline is committed to solving the root causes of hunger, and that includes recognizing the work that must be done to support all vulnerable populations. We are proud to partner with local organizations that are directly supporting this community. Below are some of our agency partners that are providing safe & accessible services to the LGBTQ+ population in Western Washington. Visit their websites to learn how you can support their work during Pride and throughout the year!
While you’re here, below are some local LGBTQ+ owned businesses to support this Pride Month:
Century Ballroom (& the Tin Table)
Happy Pride 2021! If you’d like to support more LGBTQ+ owned business, please visit Intentionalist.
