COVID-19 has turned out to be an insidious monster, robbing many of us of final hours or days with loved ones. Brave health care workers and emergency personnel on the front line are getting sick and succumbing to this very contagious virus. Many individuals and businesses are finding ways to help: producing fabric masks, N-95s, respirators, ventilators, protective gear.
We’ve learned that the elderly, and those with severe underlying conditions are at highest risk for poor outcomes from the virus. However, this pandemic, with mandatory stay-at-home orders, affects a vulnerable group, the LGBT community, for a different reason.
My son is gay. And he is now struggling emotionally while helping several of his suicidal gay friends. One of them, sadly, ended his life just two days ago.
Social isolation is difficult for us all, but for those who already feel marginalized, rejected or discriminated against, sticking together is what makes them whole.
If you know someone who is alone, who is struggling with a lack of emotional support, call them, text them, communicate via FaceTime or Zoom so they know you care. Yes, we are in this together, but if I didn’t have a gay son, I would have no idea that this pandemic has found a way to be lethal without infection.
PAM PETERSON
Concord