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The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected marginalized groups, including 2SLGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness. According to the literature, this group has been experiencing higher rates of mental health and substance use issues since the pandemic started and also face greater risk of contracting COVID-19 and experiencing worse health outcomes. A research project, led by Dr. Alex Abramovich, sought to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on 2SLGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness by utilizing virtual surveys and virtual, one-on-one interviews with youth and key informants (frontline workers and management from youth-serving organizations). The research findings were alarming and indicated the need to prioritize the well-being of 2SLGBTQ+ youth who are at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness in the pandemic response. The authors outlined two areas of prioritization: 1) health and safety 2) and mental health and service needs. The authors suggested that to prioritize the health and safety of this group during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive and targeted public health messaging and guidelines and a targeted and trauma-informed vaccination strategy must be created and delivered. Additionally, the authors suggested that to prioritize the mental health and service needs of this group, 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive and trauma-informed service provision and 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive housing programs must be implemented. These policy briefs outline how to move forward in concrete and practical ways.

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