There are indications that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, two-spirit, intersex and queer (LGBTTTIQ) persons may have higher rates of substance use, and hence be more vulnerable to substance use problems than the general population, although caution is advised in generalizing findings over a broad cross-section of people estimated to represent 10% of the population. More research about this population, particularly LGBTTTIQ Canadians, needs to be done.
It is important to understand that gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, two-spirit, intersex and queer identified persons are distinct populations whose common link is that their sexual orientation and/or gender identities differ from that of the mainstream. Discrimination against people with different sexual orientations and gender identities is widespread and takes various forms, ranging from insensitivity and the automatic assumption of heterosexuality to homophobic or transphobic hostility and violence. There is some research and clinical evidence that LGBTTTIQ people use substances to cope with these oppressive experiences and associated feelings.
This may be particularly the case among young people who face the added stresses of coping with an emerging sexual and/or gender identity and the sharing of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity with family, friends, and classmates. However, the literature suggests that LGBTTTIQ students who do not face stigmatization (routine taunting) may be at no greater risk of using drugs, attempting suicide or having unsafe sex than their heterosexual or gender conforming counterparts.
There are indications in the literature that LGBTTTIQ adults are more likely than those of the same age group in the general population to use most substances. Substance use is strongly associated with the gay nightclub, dance/circuit party and parade scene, a context in which drugs are often seen as contributing to a sense of community.
Among the homeless, LGBTTTIQ youth may be more likely than others in the same situation to report sexual abuse, more frequent use of substances, and a much higher level of mental health issues as a result of becoming homeless.
To reach out to this population, substance abuse services need to develop partnerships with networks for LGBTTTIQ people, and with groups and agencies that serve them (e.g., women's services, AIDS community service organizations), to promote the services of the agency, to exchange information and advice, and to build linkages. These groups can also be helpful in identifying other gay and trans-positive community resources that may be the first point of contact for gay and transpeople with substance use problems (e.g., doctors, family service centres).
Sources
Beyond perceptions: a report on alcohol and other drug use among gay, lesbian, bisexual, and queer communities in Victoria
Murnane, Alison; Smith, Anthony; Crompton, Louise; et al.
Melbourne, Australia: Australian Drug Foundation, 2000.
Challenges faced by homeless sexual minorities: comparison of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender homeless adolescents with their heterosexual counterparts
Cochran, Bryan N.; Stewart, Angela J.; Ginzler, Joshua A.; et al.
American Journal of Public Health, 92(5): 773-777, 2002.
Effects of at-school victimization and sexual orientation on lesbian, gay, or bisexual youths' health risk behavior
Bontempo, Daniel Edward; D'Augelli, Anthony
Journal of Adolescent Health, 30(5): 364-374, 2002.
Gay males, lesbians, bisexual people
Substance Abuse Network of Ontario
Toronto, ON: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, [1996-].
The prevalence and demographic predictors of illicit and licit drug use among lesbians and gay men
Skinner, William F.
American Journal of Public Health, 84(8): 1307-1309, 1994.