The LGBTQIA+ community report higher rates of substance use than others.
The stress endured from daily discrimination and humiliation is the core factor of the higher rates of substance use, as the queer community lean on drugs, alcohol and tobacco to aide in coping with challenges.
According to the Center for American Progress:
Gay and transgender people smoke tobacco up to 200% more than their heterosexual and nontransgender peers.
25% of gay and transgender people abuse alcohol, compared to 5%-10% of the general population.
Men who have sex with men are also 9.5 times more likely to use heroin than men who do not have sex with men.
Unfortunately, the struggles do not stop at substance abuse for individuals with the LGBTQIA+ community.
The queer community sees more social prejudice than support. The overwhelmingly accepted belief that being part of the LGBTQIA+ community is wrong is often times expressed in verbal and physical violence.
43% of queer individuals and 90% of transgender people have experienced discrimination and harassment on the job.
56% of queer individuals and 70% of transgender individuals have experienced some form of discrimination in housing based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Gay and Lesbian adults are roughly twice as likely as the general population to be without health insurance coverage, and rates of uninsuranced adults are even higher for transgender and bisexual individuals.
LGBTQIA+ bars and night clubs are traditionally places that individuals within the community can feel safe and socialize freely forgetting about their fears and stigmas.
In recent events the LGBTQIA+ community has experienced the largest mass shooting in America to date at Pulse Night Club in Orlando, FL resulting in multiple deaths and injury. Through this tragedy we must stand united to ensure the safety of the LGBTQIA+ safe spaces during pride month and maintain the overall wellbeing of the community moving forward.
Follow the developing story: http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/12/us/orlando-nightclub-shooting/
source: Hunt, Jerome. "Why the Gay and Transgender Population Experiences Higher Rates of Substance Use." Name. American Progress, 9 Mar. 2012. Web. 12 June 2016
