As COVID-19 restrictions continue, bars, restaurants, retail establishments and community centers in many cities remain closed. Some people are concerned that the places that are important to them won’t be able to re-open after COVID. For many people who identify as LGBTQ+, having places specifically for queer community – like gay and lesbian bars, LGBTQ+ bookstores, and community centers with LGBTQ+ programming – is especially important.
Data from YouGov Direct finds that most LGBTQ+ Americans are worried about the potential loss of queer spaces.
About six in 10 (62%) members of the LGBTQ+ community say they’re concerned that queer spaces will not re-open after the pandemic.
Many of their allies also express concern: 38 percent of those who have close friends and family who are LGBTQ+ say they’re worried about the loss of queer spaces. Overall, 27 percent of Americans say they’re concerned about this, but most (59%) are not particularly worried.
In some cities, owners have already confirmed that they won’t be able to re-open their establishments once restrictions lift. San Francisco’s oldest gay bar, The Stud, will be closing down after 55 years in business due to the pandemic. Across the country, two of DC’s gay bars which closed their doors during COVID-19 have also announced they won’t reopen.
Learn more about YouGov Direct and see poll results here.
Methodology: 3,782 US adults were interviewed through YouGov Direct, including 472 US adults who identified themselves as members of the LGBTQ+ community. Results are weighted by gender and age to best represent the US population. This survey was conducted online between May 28 – 29, 2020.
Image: The Gender Spectrum Collection
