Alcohol services ‘intimidating’ to LGBT people

Research from Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) has found that LGBT people feel ‘rendered invisible’ by existing alcohol health services, and have called for expanded diversity training among health professionals.

LGBT people report being ‘rendered invisible’ by alcohol health service providers

The study, funded by Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP), analysed the role alcohol plays in the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Scotland.

33 respondents, aged 18 to 52 years with almost half over 25, took part in seven focus groups. 11 respondents identified as lesbian, 15 as gay, three as bisexual, one as heterosexual and three as ‘other’, ‘queer’ or ‘pansexual’. 15 respondents identified as male, 14 as female, and four as transgender or ‘gender fluid’. Most participants said they were ‘out’, and half frequently or sometimes used the gay ‘scene’.

A major finding from the focus groups is the number of barriers LGBT people face when accessing alcohol services. This includes the perception that alcohol services and peer support do not provide a welcoming space for LGBT people.

Respondents reported feeling ‘rendered invisible’ by service providers because “it’s a very heterocentric world”, said one. LGBT people face an “assumption” on the part of healthcare workers that everyone is “straight and cisgender” (i.e. gender assigned at birth, body and identity are consistent).

Existing services were also perceived as “macho” and “intimidating”, often aimed at drug users and situated in poorer areas.

Self-help group such as Alcoholics Anonymous were not perceived to be safe spaces for LGBT people and were thought to be aimed at “white, straight men”. Respondents added that the added religious element which made many feel uncomfortable and unsafe.

The report’s authors said their findings have implications for diversity training among heath professionals, the need for alternative sources of support for LGBT people with drinking problems, and the need to promote health around alcohol on the commercial gay scene and to wider LGBT communities.

Respondents themselves called for better diversity training for service providers, the separate provision of addiction services for women and LGBT people, and more LGBT services for those aged over 25 years – younger LGBT people were perceived to have more provision generally.

Researchers added that future work should also focus on how alcohol companies market their products to the LGBT community locally in venues, nationally and internationally across both social and traditional media.

Eric Carlin, SHAAP director, said: “LGBT people are as susceptible to getting into problems with alcohol as anyone else. However, this study shows that many LGBT people still feel stigmatised and support services can feel intimidating.

“Hopefully, this report will provide useful insights to reduce barriers to LGBT people accessing support.”

Dr Carol Emslie, lead researcher at GCU, added: “Drinking is central to the commercial gay scene and the alcohol industry is increasingly marketing their products directly to LGBT consumers. We need to make sure there are more places in Scotland where LGBT people can meet to socialise without alcohol, as well as working towards a culture where all groups in society find it acceptable to drink moderately, or indeed to choose not to drink at all.”

The findings of the report will be presented at the Scottish Parliament on 15 December, 2015.