Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Wellbeing of LGBTQ+ Individuals in Moldova: A Mixed Methods Analysis

ABSTRACT

Research on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic for LGBTQ+ people is limited, particularly in eastern Europe. This mixed methods study explored the direct and indirect effects of the pandemic on the mental and physical wellbeing of LGBTQ+ individuals in Moldova. From June to the end of July 2022, 86 surveys and 12 interviews were completed by self-identified LGBTQ+ adults in Moldova. Survey data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and interviews were coded and analyzed using the grounded theory methodology. The two data sets were interpreted concurrently to identify emergent themes. Overall, data suggest LGBTQ+ people experienced both negative and positive effects on their mental wellbeing due to the pandemic. Participants expressed feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and depression, and an inability to be their authentic selves. Conversely, participants had more capacity to explore their identities and they demonstrated social support within the LGBTQ+ community. Regarding physical impacts, there were interruptions to transgender medical care and concerns about housing affordability. Findings highlight the unique impacts of the pandemic on LGBTQ+ people and stress the importance of further research in this area and policies and plans to address the needs of LGBTQ+ people in response to the pandemic and future health crises.

KEYWORDS:

• LGBTQ
• minority stress
• COVID-19
• Moldova
• transgender
• mental health

Acknowledgments

The first author thanks the staff of GENDERDOC-M, particularly Veaceslav Mulear, for their essential support, particularly with recruitment and for providing background information on LGBTQ+ rights in Moldova. The authors would like to thank the following for their contributions: the three translators for their assistance in the translation of the surveys; the two anonymous reviewers for their helpful feedback; Prof. Dr. Melanie Arndt for her advice and assistance to support study progress; and all the study participants for sharing their experiences.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. Participants self-described their identities and these labels reflect the terminology used by participants.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.