The COVID-tracking map, created by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins, has become one of the most widely cited sources of information about the spread of the infectious disease through the world. The map features statistics such as number of confirmed cases and confirmed deaths.
In “Queering the COVID Map," we place queer and trans people on the map. We want to give queer and trans people a voice and allow them to speak for themselves about their experiences with family, relationships, mental health, and healthcare during quarantine. The responses featured on the map were sourced from a Google Form that we created and shared. We are still accepting responses and encourage readers to submit their own stories.
Has COVID-19 impacted you in an identity specific way? If so, how?
Delayed my name change process so that I will now be forced to graduate under my deadname with my deadname on my diploma.
Gabriel, 26, Baltimore
Queer, Nonbinary
I've gotten good at living at rock bottom, I'm just tired of it... Just because I'm good at surviving at rock bottom doesn't mean I want to. I'm tired of living this way.
I don't know how I'm going to keep paying for my hormones, but I'll have to. For my mental health I don't have the option to just stop hormones for a while. I'd probably kill myself if I ever got my period
Edgar, 25, Baltimore
Bisexual, Transmasculine
Forced to go back into the closet due to intolerant family
Charlie, 22, Miami
Pansexual, Cis woman
Has COVID-19 impacted any health care services you had received, are currently receiving, or planned to receive?
I have been forced to stop physical therapy that I attend to treat a chronic pain condition that was caused by sexual abuse. I have been forced to see specialist doctors that I was previously seeing in the city.
VP, 20, Maryland
Bisexual, Cis woman
Im having issues gaining access to my HRT because I cant go out as easily due to the quarantine and my Asian face
AC, 23, New Jersey
Pansexual, Trans man
It has made it harder to receive Truvada since my parents don't know I take it and don't want to talk to them about it.
20, NYC
Gay, Cis man
My therapy and psychiatric appointments are switched to teleconference. I was considering looking into top surgery options but have put that on hold during this time.
LK, 22, Baltimore
Queer, Nonbinary
I was prescribed (in a manner to be undetected by my parents) PrEP for HIV prevention. In addition to taking the prescribed dosage of pills, I would have my blood drawn across regular monthly intervals. Due to the quarantine enacted by the virus, and my own timidity towards addressing the status of my healthcare hidden away from my parents, the concern of my capability to have my blood drawn and stay measurably safe in HIV prevention is present in mind, but I am without a solution.
Braden, 16, New Jersey
Gay, Cis man
Have any of your healthcare appointments been cancelled or postponed because they are considered non-essential by the state?
My HRT appointment was pushed from March 26th to April 3rd, and then again to April 24th. I was not given clear communication regarding when the reschedules would happen or why, which was incredibly frustrating.
Giovanna, 22, Baltimore
Bisexual, Nonbinary
The service postponed was a second check up by my doctor in regards to my antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications. Thankfully the medication I was prescribed has been effective with minimal side effects, so a second visit for me is not necessary. My healthcare provider did make it clear in a phone call that only specific patients would be allowed in. I still had to make this appointment, but with the pandemic there is no use scheduling an appointment until after the healthcare system is less strained.
22, Baltimore
Bisexual, Cis man
HRT, I was given no information about it other than the appointments were cancelled.
M, Colorado
Gay, Trans man
What do you wish you had right now that you are missing? How has it been impacted by the pandemic?
Mental health resources, I am unable to search for a new therapist at this time which is made worse by the stress that this situation is putting on me (ie, I need a therapist now more than ever)
TA, 19, New Jersey
Bisexual, Cis woman
My girlfriend, positive movies about queer relationships
Adelaide, 18, New Jersey
Queer, Cis woman
communication from health care providers about how they will be going about rescheduling very important services
21, Baltimore
Bisexual, Cis woman
Queer people around for sure, and the ability to go out and meet people and participate in my community in that way
Sienna, 19, Seattle
Bisexual