ABSTRACT
People of color (POC), including African Americans, Latino Americans, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders, have all faced discrimination and marginalization prior to any pandemic occurring. That and the inequality it causes have only exacerbated and intensified disease exposure, COVID-related illnesses, substandard levels of medical care, available health treatments, and the resulting mortality from the COVID-19 infections. This effect is intensified significantly when one considers that LGBTQ members of this group are, in turn, further marginalized within their own minority populations simply for being a sexual minority. Familial rejection often strips the person of critical social and medical support during a time of mortal crisis. COVID has further impacted minority POC in other unexpected ways that place their health and very survival at risk.
