Social distancing, isolation, isolation, quarantine: the global coronavirus outbreak has made these terms part of everyday use. Governments and health organizations around the world recommend social distancing. This is not new for us; we are already practicing social distancing in our daily lives – binge-watching digital content instead of going to the movies; ordering food through Uber instead of eating out with friends; swipe right/left to practice one-liners to start a conversation in the pub; broadcast dances on Tik Tok instead of enjoying discos in a bar. Social distancing isn’t such a big step forward when we use noise-canceling headphones to block out the world around us. As people hunker down after raiding supermarket shelves for toilet paper and other essentials, let’s take a moment to reflect on how social isolation will most impact vulnerable populations: older people, PLHIV, transgender people, people with disabilities, homeless people, temporary workers, international students and those facing financial challenges. Do we need social distancing or social solidarity? For the LGBT community, this issue becomes even more important when our public spaces face serious challenges. This week, a New York Times columnist reflected on social solidarity in times of social distancing. The columnist recalled experiencing the Chicago heat wave first-hand in 1995, when an estimated 739 people died in one week in July. Lives that could have been saved if they had been asked to take a cold bath or be given access to air conditioning. In times of crisis, self-preservation is good, but social solidarity is better. No one knows this better than the LGBT community, who fought for health care rights during the HIV epidemic. One of the best examples of social solidarity that emerged from the crisis was the Friends program. Volunteers will provide one-on-one support to PLHIV by accompanying them to doctor appointments or shopping, helping around the house, accompanying them to events or outings, and providing emotional support. During the height of the AIDS crisis, official indifference, misinformation, rumors, social stigma and fear flourished. It is the community that has taken on the responsibility to protect each other and fight for healthcare. The same technology that encourages social isolation can also be used to promote social solidarity. One such example is the social media trend #caremongering, which originated in Canada and is gradually spreading to other parts of the world. The hashtag amplifies good deeds and creates a permanent record of them to inspire others amid the global pandemic. Here are some ways to build social solidarity in times of COVID-19: Lend a helping hand Use social media and messaging groups to learn about friends, neighbors and community members, especially vulnerable groups. For many of us living independently and working from home, this also means the prospect of spending a few days together alone. LGBTIQ people face an increased risk of depression. Schedule group chats on Zoom or Google Hangouts to connect with each other and keep your spirits up. Help Social distancing rules do not prohibit running to the grocery store or supermarket to buy essentials. While grocery shopping, see if you can buy something for a friend or neighbor who can’t go out. Don’t hoard Stock up on essentials and medicines, don’t hoard. Health organizations advise that if you take medication, you should have a 30-day supply of the medication. Again, don’t hoard! Remember, there are others who need things to survive. Go and finance them Temporary workers, artists whose concerts may have been cancelled, and people whose source of income has been affected by COVID-19 regulations will have a harder time than others. If you can afford it, donate money to people in need or organizations that work with vulnerable people. Support LGBTIQ+ businesses LGBTIQ+ businesses are expected to be hit harder by the downturn that will accompany the outbreak. Support bookstores, shops, cafes and their employees. Order products or purchase gift certificates for future use. Follow the rules Many governments and health agencies have implemented social distancing. Don’t ignore these rules. You may be able to survive Covid-19, but others who may be exposed to it will not. Communicate Use dating and dating apps to meet people online, start conversations, discuss interests and hobbies, make friends and have fun. No place for stigma Stigma and discrimination against people with COVID-19 and those based on race and ethnicity are real, both online and offline. Fight stigma and discrimination. The color of your skin will not make you immune to the virus. Fight fake news Misinformation, rumors and fake news are rampant. Do not forward information received unless it comes from a reliable news source. Even then, double-check any information. Talk If you’re feeling down, isolated or lonely and need someone to talk to – don’t hesitate to reach out. Post navigation LGBTI people can get a free breast exam with BreastScreen Victoria How to stay healthy during quarantine