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Understanding Lambeth’s LGBTQI+ communities in times of Covid-19: Executive Summary

Research team

Funded by London Metropolitan University, Transformation Fund


About the study

This study has been conducted by a research team from the Global Diversities and Inequalities (GDI) Research Centre, based at London Metropolitan University, and funded by the University’s Transformation Fund. The research was designed and conducted in partnership with the London Borough of Lambeth, Black Thrive, Black Out, Lambeth Links and Opening Doors London. The research was reviewed and approved by the University’s Research Ethics Committee.

The study began in January 2021 and was completed in July 2021.

The research team was led by Professor Louise Ryan, Director of the Global Diversities and Inequalities Research Centre, Donna Jones, Head of Social Work and Dr Karyofyllis Zervoulis, Senior Lecturer in Social Psychology.

The research assistants on the project were Cinar Aydogan and Anna Jakobczak. Dr Daniella Shaw worked on the study in its early stages.

Aims and objectives of the study

  1. To identify the needs of Lambeth’s large LGBTQI+ communities, especially within the current challenges posed by COVID-19 and the associated restrictions.
  2. To develop new understanding of the experiences and needs of Black, Asian and people from other minoritised communities who have been under-represented in previous studies.
  3. To co-design solutions with our research partners for how the needs of these communities can be addressed within the current financial constraints across the borough and beyond.

Project overview

Multiple sources of data were collected, consisting of three research approaches: survey, Photovoice workshops and focus group. Our comprehensive survey, conducted between March and June 2021, gathered responses from 190 people including two telephone interviews to facilitate the participation of older participants (aged 70 and over). The Photovoice workshops involved 11 participants from Lambeth and other boroughs who are referred to as co-researchers. Nine of them also took part in the focus group.

Although the survey sample was skewed due to the above average response of highly educated, affluent LGBTQI+ males, the efforts of the research team and the advisory group helped to ensure additional diversity among respondents and represents a noticeable improvement from past surveys of this type (read more about Lambeth LGBT Matters, Sigma 2005). Through carefully targeted recruitment strategies, more females, more diverse sexualities, a few more people of older age, and slightly more Black, Asian and people from other minoritised communities took part.

All dimensions of the research were conducted during Covid-19 restrictions. Hence, many group activities and organisations were not open for gatherings. These rules impacted the study’s recruitment, especially among LGBTQI+ people from diverse backgrounds. To ensure greater diversity, the three Photovoice workshops were designed to develop new understandings of the experiences and needs of Black, Asian and people from minoritised communities who have been under-represented in previous studies.

 

An LGBTQ+ flag on a pole and fluttering in the wind

Further information

Read more about the LambQ+ project

Summary: key findings and recommendations

Key findings, based on the project’s LGBTQI+ respondents and co-researchers

  • Most respondents reported that people closest to them (eg. immediate family and friends) are aware of their LGBTQI+ identity. This was not so much the case for other contacts such as employers and colleagues. Also, compared to older respondents, our younger respondents report much lower numbers of people in general being aware about their sexual identity.
  • Of those who consider themselves to have a disability or long-term health condition, mental health issues and HIV are the two most prominent health issues.
  • Satisfaction levels with health-related support LGBTQI+ people with disabilities or long-term health conditions receive is relatively low; less than four in 10 are satisfied or very satisfied.
  • 47.2% of survey respondents agree or strongly agree that Lambeth Council is generally doing a good job.
  • 55.7% agree or strongly agree that Lambeth Council is managing the situation well during the pandemic.
  • 49.4% agree or strongly agree that Lambeth Council keeps residents well informed; this is lower than the 60% reported by heterosexual respondents in Lambeth Residents’ Pulse Survey 2020.
  • In terms of whether or not Lambeth Council does enough for local LGBTQI+ residents, 20% agree or strongly agreed that the Lambeth Council is doing enough.
  • 16.5% agree or strongly agree that Lambeth Council involves LGBTQI+ residents in decision making.
  • However, it should be noted that there are high levels of neutral responses (neither agree nor disagree) which may suggest that many respondents were not sure what Lambeth Council does for LGBTQI+ residents.
  • Covid-19 has affected housing/ employment/income of LGBTQI+ people but those who are least well off have been affected more. Relatively good levels of health have been affected negatively by the restrictions posed by Covid-19 rather than Covid-19 itself.
  • Overall anxiety but also general mental illness are on the increase as a result of Covid-19 and its consequences.
  • Online technology can help overcome loneliness and facilitate access to services, however our findings indicate the enduring relevance of the telephone.
  • Sexual health and testing are important for our participants even at times of Covid-19.
  • While, among our respondents, abuse at home does not appear to have increased during Covid-19, verbal abuse on the streets remains high and is directed more towards female or non-binary people.
  • LGBTQI+ physical spaces have been missed a lot; but LGBTQI+ provision is seen to be catering for White people and not for Black, Asian and other minoritised communities.
  • Although most of our study participants were relatively young, some older respondents raised particular concerns about social care, especially residential care needs, for aged LGBTQI+ people.

 

As well as working with key stakeholders and practitioners to disseminate the findings and recommendations to inform policies, the research team have also produced a detailed report, downloadable for free from the project website, and will write a series of academic papers. Together with the co-researchers from Photovoice, an exhibition of photographs will be co-curated. Despite the time-limitation of the Photovoice workshops, co-researchers continue to create a supportive, respectful and empowering environment with each other. They have embraced the opportunity to network beyond the workshops to meet socially, share information about events and resources as well as to seek support for their own projects. In making such lasting alliances, Photovoice co- researchers are transcending the original remit of the project and are actively pursuing solidarity with each other, building relationships and defining their own community to advance social change.

The research team’s and advisory group’s recommendations to be taken forward

Lambeth Council needs to be an advocate for the maintenance and promotion of physical LGBTQI+ spaces. There is a pattern of LGBTQI+ spaces disappearing across London and the Council should place effort to reverse this pattern within the borough. Community Asset Transfer initiatives could be utilised to address this recommendation.

There is a clear need for telephone-based communications with members of the LGBTQI+ community who are in need. Dedicated helplines, instead of just online forms and information, may be a step forward.

Lambeth Council should raise the visibility of its services for LGBTQI+ residents. LGBTQI+ residents, in the main, do not seem to be aware of any role the council may be playing in providing services for them.

Through Lambeth Council and its partners there is a need to create safe spaces and activities designed for older members of LGBTQI+ communities to allow them to socialise with the younger generation.

The particular needs of older LGBTQI+ people, especially in terms of residential care, need to be addressed in collaboration with local authorities, LGBTQI+ groups and care providers.

Initiatives such as Pride in Practice in Lambeth, working with GP surgeries, need to ensure that the diversity of LGBTQI+ communities is recognised and taken on board in service provision.

 

Photovoice co-researchers developed a clear set of collective demands, recognising the multiplicity and complexities of their daily lived realities and experiences:

Involve LGBTQI+ people from Black, Asian and other minoritised communities in leadership decisions within London Councils including Lambeth Council. Along with other groups, these communities should be equally included in mainstream decision-making within LGBTQI+ communities.

Fund safe and sober LGBTQI+ spaces. Black, Asian and LGBTQI+ people from other minoritised communities need more cultural and social spaces where socialising is not focused around alcohol or different forms of substance use.

Fund a 24 hour LGBTQI+ specific sexual health telephone line and ensure staff have the required training. Specific services should be provided to address the sexual health needs of Black, Asian and LGBTQI+ people from other minoritised communities. The first point of contact and other staff should be adequately trained and equipped to meet their needs.

All Councils need to recognise diversity within LGBTQI+ communities and to both promote understanding of and provide spaces and services to cater for the needs of a wide range of identities and backgrounds, instead of labelling everyone under one umbrella.

At the regional level, in order to provide adequate support for Black, Asian and LGBTQI+ people from other minoritised communities, all Councils should collaborate with and learn from other Councils or services that are more experienced and commissioned to meet the needs of these communities.

At the national level, there is need for a fairer process for refugee and asylum seeking LGBTQI+ people. It was unanimously agreed that £35 a week is inhumane and that those seeking refuge and/or asylum should be able to work or better support should be provided.