LGBTQ+ Couples Face Heightened Climate Risks: A Call for Inclusive Action

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Written By Alexander Stefanini

Photo by Alessandro Biascioli

A groundbreaking study by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law has revealed that LGBTQ+ couples face heightened risks from climate change-related threats compared to their heterosexual counterparts. 

Key Findings

  • LGBTQ+ people in same-sex couples are disproportionately located in coastal areas and cities, which are more vulnerable to climate hazards like rising sea levels, flooding, and extreme weather events.

  • Same-sex couples are more likely to reside in communities with poorer infrastructure, lower socioeconomic status, and limited access to resources, making them less prepared to respond and adapt to natural disasters and climate disruptions. 

  • A higher proportion of same-sex couples in a county is associated with increased risk scores for meteorological changes (e.g., extreme temperatures, precipitation) and natural hazards (e.g., flooding, wildfires) according to NASA and FEMA assessments. 

Disparities and Vulnerabilities

The study highlights how climate change exacerbates existing disparities, particularly in housing, healthcare, income, and food access, hindering disaster preparedness within LGBTQ+ communities. These disparities stem from discrimination and exclusion faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, creating unique vulnerabilities that compound their exposure to climate-related harms.

Washington, D.C., which has the highest proportion of same-sex couples in the U.S., scores high for various climate risks, including heat waves, flooding, and dangerously strong winds.

Recommendations

The report advocates for inclusive disaster relief programs without discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. This includes provisions for safe shelters, access to essential medications like HIV treatment, and financial assistance for displaced LGBTQ+ individuals and families. 

Policies mitigating discriminatory housing practices, creating safe shelters for LGBTQ+ people, and ensuring relief aid reaches displaced LGBTQ+ communities are crucial. Expanding green spaces, enhancing structural resilience in urban areas, and providing economic relief to LGBTQ+ people can bolster their resilience to climate events.

Further research is needed to explore how disparities across housing, employment, and healthcare among LGBTQ+ people, particularly transgender individuals and LGBTQ+ people of color, compound geographic vulnerabilities to climate change effects. 

By addressing the unique needs and vulnerabilities of LGBTQ+ populations in climate change policies and disaster preparedness plans, we can work towards a more equitable and resilient future for all communities.

 
Alexander Stefanini
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