More than 100,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender Californians who live in poverty would be deeply affected by the proposed state budget cuts, according to a new study.
The proposed cuts would affect state aid programs and services such as MediCal, Food Stamps and housing subsidies for lower-income families who depend on them. The new study was released by the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law, a think tank that conducts independent research in sexual orientation law and public policy. The data, which was obtained from the California Health Interview Survey and conducted by UCLA, shows that 13 percent of lesbian or bisexual women and 7 percent of gay or bisexual men in California currently live in poverty.
While the numbers are on par with heterosexuals in California, the purpose of the study was to dispel the cultural myth that gays do not live in poverty, said Christopher Ramos, a research associate at the Williams Institute.
“It’s knowledge that hasn’t really penetrated popular thought,” Ramos said, adding that the study’s numbers help to break down the stereotype of gays as being rich. State legislators are currently trying to close a steep $23.6 billion budget shortfall. The proposed cuts also include a reduction in $80 million to HIV/AIDS programs, which would deal a severe blow to the 130,000 to 175,000 Californians living with HIV/AIDS, according to the report. Of those affected, more than half are gay men.
Ramos said that while no one is under the impression that cuts will not be made at some level, the report was meant to add another level of discussion to the debate in Sacramento. He said that the proposed cuts would have a visible effect on the people who rely on the services for themselves and their children.
“Either way, in any scenario … it’s going to have really tangible, practical effects,” he said.