A commentary on COVID-19 and the LGBT community in Nigeria: Risks and resilience

Since the onset of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there has been substantial research and information in media about the mechanisms, and health and economic impacts of COVID-19 There is, however, less information about the possible consequences of this stressful period in developing countries, such as in sub-Saharan Africa;and even less so among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals in these regions In this commentary, we briefly describe the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria and explore added sources of stress unique to LGBT Nigerians during this period-including exacerbation of preexisting minority stress, financial difficulty, and worries pertaining HIV treatment and COVID-19 infection risk We also highlight some positive outcomes including a stronger sense of community and conclude by recognizing the support from Nigerian LGBT organizations and the need for clinical support and research (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement Public Significance Statement: In this commentary, we draw attention to possible negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Nigerians;and positive aspects of the pandemic such as increased online communication which can make the LGBT community more visible in Nigeria We conclude by recommending more support from clinicians and research into the well-being of LGBT Nigerians (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)