While the world is still grappling with its effects, the COVID-19 pandemic has already taught us many lessons about society.
It has shown us how vulnerable the world is to a health crisis, how resilient and innovative people can be and, most importantly, that no single profession is more needed than any other in our communities. The phrase “essential workers” began filtering into our daily lexicon as Stay-At-Home orders, social distancing guidelines and self-quarantining measures became a part of our routines.
They are the people who put their lives on the line to go to work every day so the rest of us can stay safe and healthy in our homes. They’re also those who help lift our spirits while we’re there.
They are the nurses and doctors, the food service workers, the grocery store clerks and stockers, truck drivers, factory workers, police officers, entertainers and countless others. They not only provide the goods and services needed to keep us going, they risk their own mental and physical health for each of us in the process.
We spoke to LGBTQ workers in four of these essential industries to learn what it’s like for these heroes as they keep our communities moving from the frontlines. Read their inspiring stories below:
Tanaine Jenkins, DoorDash driver
Kirk DaVinci, Virtual Virtuoso
Angelique Padro, Patient Care Technician
For the latest updates about COVID-19 and its impact on the LGBTQ communities in Tampa Bay and Central Florida, view Watermark’s frequently updated coverage here.
