People who identify as LGBTQIA+ are more likely to experience food insecurity compared to non-LGBTQIA+ individuals. These individuals and families face hunger and poverty more frequently. According to the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), in May 2023, 15% of LGBT adults and 19.3% of individuals who identified as another sexual orientation reported that they did not have enough food to eat, compared to 10.4% of people who did not identify as LGBT. Additionally, 27.6% of people who identified as transgender reported not having enough food to eat.
Discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals is still high and can take place in many forms. Overt discrimination, which is verbal or physical discrimination, may occur day-to-day. Overt discrimination can make simple everyday activities such as going grocery shopping very difficult. It can make people not feel comfortable attending their local food pantry if it resides in a church, as that may be where they are experiencing large amounts of discrimination. Covert discrimination, which is harder to detect, can impact LGBTQIA+ individuals in the workplace. With intentional or implicit bias, LGBTQIA+ people may get passed over for higher paying jobs. These types of challenges impact one’s ability to make a livable wage for them and their family. This could then force people to prioritize their budget for housing and/or transportation over food.
In general, not having enough money for food may lead to disordered eating. Research shows that adults who battle inconsistent and uncertain access to nutritious food are more likely to demonstrate heightened signs of disordered eating, and the domino effect of medical risks increases. Often LGBTQIA+ individuals are susceptible to medical policies or practices that heightens stigma and undermines their health and wellbeing for proper diagnosis and treatment which can lead to other factors that contributes to sustainable living standards for them or their family.
As allies, there are various measures that can be taken to help combat food insecurity in the LGBTQIA+ community. Here are some ways we can address these barriers:
- Support LGBTQIA+ organizations: Partner with or donate to LGBTQIA+ organizations that provide food assistance or support services to address food insecurity within the community.
- Advocate for inclusive policies: Advocate for policies that address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals, such as discrimination and lack of access to resources, which can contribute to food insecurity.
- Provide education and resources: Offer workshops, education materials and resources specifically tailored to LGBTQIA+ individuals to help them access nutritious food, manage finances and navigate support systems.
- Offer affirming spaces: Create safe and inclusive spaces where LGBTQIA+ individuals feel comfortable seeking help and accessing food assistance programs without fear of discrimination or judgment.
- Address systemic inequalities: Work to address broader systemic issues, such as poverty, homelessness and healthcare disparities, that contribute food insecurity among LGBTQIA+ individuals.
- Promote economic empowerment: Support LGBTQIA+ individuals in building economic stability through job training, employment opportunities and financial assistance programs.
- Community support networks: Foster community support networks where LGBTQIA+ individuals can share resources, provide mutual aid and offer emotional support to one another during times of food insecurity.
- Collaborate with local agencies: Partner with local food banks, shelters and social service agencies to ensure that their services are inclusive and accessible to LGBTQIA+ individuals.
- Raise awareness: Raise awareness about the intersection of LGBTQIA+ identity and food insecurity through education, advocacy and storytelling to mobilize support and resources for those in need.
- Address stigma and discrimination: Combat stigma and discrimination within the LGBTQIA+ community and society at large, which can exacerbate food insecurity by limiting access to employment, housing and social support networks.
References:
- Beaudoin S. Addressing LGBTQIA+ hunger, poverty and discrimination. Food Research and Action Center. Published June 29, 2023. Accessed April 4, 2024.
https://frac.org/blog/lgbtqia-hunger-2023#:~:text=The%20Equality%20Act%20would,y%20and%20to%20food%20security - Uri R. Food insecurity and disordered eating. Duke Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Published May 10, 2023. Accessed April 4, 2024.
https://psychiatry.duke.edu/blog/food-insecurity-and-disordered-eating