Effort on to Vaccinate California's Enormous LGBTQ+ Population

Equality California, the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ+ organization, is ramping up efforts to vaccinate the Golden State's queer population against COVID-19, acknowledging the demographic is more at risk than others for hospitalization and death from the disease.

LGBTQ+ people of color are bearing a disproportionate effect of the deadly pandemic; they are twice as likely to test positive for COVID-19 as non-LGBTQ+ white people, according to the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law. Health disparities affecting all LGBTQ+ people -- including health care discrimination and elevated risk factors like higher rates of smoking and drug use -- makes the whole community more vulnerable.

In response, Equality California Insitute -- an affiliate of Equality California -- launched a bilingual campaign this week promoting COVID-19 vaccination and safety guidance to LGBTQ+ Californians, in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the Center at Sierra Health Foundation.

Equality California's website currently offers details on who's now eligible for vaccination, appointment services for those who are, information on COVID testing and treatment, and resources on everything from immigration to food assistance.

Find more details at COVID19.eqca.org and the group's helpline, (323) 448-0126.