Losing a job is never easy. It can trigger anxiety, uncertainty, and financial strain. For LGBTQIA+ individuals, these challenges can be even more complex, compounded by workplace discrimination or the potential loss of affirming healthcare. If you're facing financial stress or a job loss, know that you are not alone. Here’s what you can do next to help regain stability and access the support you deserve.
Hear from FOLX therapist Michael or read more below.
Acknowledge and Validate Your Experience
The first step is to take a deep breath and remind yourself: your job does not define your worth. While financial stress is real and valid, it does not determine your value as a person. Many in the LGBTQIA+ community face additional hurdles in employment, from bias in hiring practices to lack of family support. Recognizing these systemic challenges can help you approach your next steps with self-compassion rather than self-blame.
Understand Possible Unemployment Benefits
If you’ve been laid off, you may qualify for unemployment benefits. Filing for unemployment as soon as possible is crucial since processing times can vary by state. Some states also offer extended benefits depending on economic conditions or personal circumstances. Additionally, there are LGBTQ-friendly career services that can assist with job searching, resume building, and networking to help you find affirming employment.
Review Your Health Insurance Options
Losing employer-sponsored health insurance can be a major concern, particularly for those of us relying on it for gender-affirming care, mental health support, or HIV-related treatment. Here are some options to explore:
- Check us out. Here at FOLX we take insurance but also offer a cash price list for those who are uninsured, with transparent upfront pricing before you book. No surprise bills or costs.
- COBRA Coverage: If your employer offered health insurance, you might qualify for COBRA, which allows you to keep your plan for a limited time. However, COBRA can be expensive, so check if your state offers subsidies to reduce costs.
- Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace: If COBRA is unaffordable, visit HealthCare.gov to explore lower-cost options available through the ACA. Many LGBTQIA+ individuals qualify for subsidies, making these plans more affordable.
- Community-Based Health Centers: Many LGBTQIA-friendly health centers offer sliding scale services, meaning costs are based on your income. Organizations like CenterLink can help you find LGBTQIA+ health resources in your area.
Access Financial & Career Support Resources
To help alleviate financial strain and assist with employment opportunities, consider these LGBTQIA-specific resources:
Emergency Financial Assistance
- Point of Pride - Grants for gender-affirming care through FOLX, as well as other programs.
- Mutual Aid Funds - Check out this list for mutual aid funds across the country.
Job & Career Support
- Out & Equal – Provides workplace equality resources and job search support for LGBTQ+ individuals.
- StartOut – Supports LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and business owners with mentorship and networking opportunities.
- Famm Connect - Social network for LGBTQ+ professionals and business owners.
Accessible Healthcare Support
- FOLX - The leading LGBTQ+ health and wellness provider, offering gender-affirming care, therapy, mental health support, family planning, primary care, and more.
- Planned Parenthood – Provides LGBTQ+ health services, including gender-affirming care and HRT.
- CenterLink – Connects individuals with LGBTQ+ community centers that offer free or low-cost healthcare and mental health services.
- Crisis Text Line - Offers 24/7 text support from trained professionals.
You Are Not Alone – Get Support
Financial stress and job loss can feel isolating, but there are resources and communities ready to support you. If this situation is affecting your mental health, consider reaching out to an LGBTQIA+-affirming therapist. Professional support can provide you with coping strategies, financial stress management, and emotional reassurance during this difficult time.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. If you need help finding resources, reach out to LGBTQIA+ organizations, community groups, or drop a comment on one of our social platforms, and we’ll connect you with the support you need. You deserve stability, security, and care—we’re in this together.
