Entrapped in his studio apartment, the Los Angeles-based social worker was on the mental brink. Through the early months of lockdown, Jay represented those statistics. While these struggles aren’t unique to gay people, it’s important to remember that gay men “come to this pandemic with disproportionate rates of mental health issues,” says Ian Holloway, a UCLA associate professor of social welfare and the study’s lead author. One study of 10,000 gay men in 20 countries aged 18-34 found those who only left their homes for essentials during the first COVID lockdowns were 37 percent more likely to feel anxious than those who didn’t, and 36 percent more likely to feel lonely. “And we just don't know when or if those things are coming back.” “Pride events, summer parties, these are things that members of the community who might feel a little disconnected in their daily life look forward to,” Storholm said. Above all, there’s a profound sense of loneliness in the community. While Storholm is sensing more optimism among his clients these days, there still aren’t many social events on their calendars. “People get their hopes up, so I think people are just canceling things to be on the safe side.” Clements said. There’s still no timetable for when bars and clubs can operate again in Boston, and the city’s Pride parade was recently postponed. But that might not be for a while, even with vaccination rates rising. Whenever Boston lifts restrictions on nightlife, Clements expects to be there, and is confident business will thrive. “I mean, we didn't make a ton of money, but we kept the business alive.” The place was packed for drag brunch every Sunday. James Clements, co-owner of Blend, an LGBTQ lounge in Boston, took COVID as an opportunity to modernize his kitchen and patio space. Places that have been able to invest in kitchens are also finding ways to stay afloat, creating new revenue streams in the process. While queer bars have struggled for a while, gay nightlife has continued to thrive in the form of standing parties and off-the-grid events.