The Queer community uses alcohol to escape stigma and rejection according to an expert.  

Societal factors which lead to alienation can cause higher alcohol dependency for people who identify as LGBTQ+ says Dr Elena Dimova, researcher and lecturer of Psychology at Glasgow Caledonian University.

She said: “Traditionally gay clubs and bars are considered to be a safe space but although they offer a non-judgmental space everything centres around alcohol and normalises it.

“For a lot of young LGBTQ+ individuals, their first introduction to these spaces is through the commercial scene which centres around alcohol.”

Dr Dimova believes normalisation of alcohol advertising in the UK encourages people to indulge in drinking.

“We see alcohol companies using the pride flag and posing as allies to sell alcohol,” she said.

Although there are several alcohol treatment services in the UK, Dr Dimova says they often serve a misconception of mainly catering to middle-aged men, making other communities feel like outcasts while accessing support. 

She adds building trust becomes especially difficult for those who are queer and from small towns due to concerns about confidentiality. Dr Dimova explains health professionals often lack training when it comes to co-relating gender identity and alcohol misuse. 

She says another barrier relates to service providers lacking knowledge of dealing with sexual or gender identity, also tying in to existing practices of data collection within the Queer demographic. 

“Having interactions about gender or sexuality whether or not it is linked with alcohol needs to be practiced by professionals,” said Dr Dimova.

She believes transgender communities are especially concerned that revealing their experiences with alcohol misuse or dependency might affect other treatments, making them hesitant to tell their service providers.

“Services need to be advertised in a way that makes them welcoming while highlighting confidentiality,” said Dr Dimova.