Research has long shown that alcohol consumption is higher in the LGB community. The recently published LGBTIQA+ Monitor by Movisie largely confirms this picture: most LGBTIQA+ groups report higher alcohol consumption than cisgender heterosexual people. Lesbian and bi+ people differ significantly from the cisgender heterosexual group. For example, 11% of lesbian women and 7% of bi+ people drink excessively, compared with 4% of cisgender heterosexual people. Other groups with a relatively high rate of excessive alcohol consumption are intersex people (23%) and queer people (12%).
Seven types of cancer
“The health risks of alcohol should not be underestimated,” says Dorine Manson, director of the Dutch Cancer Society. “It increases the risk of 7 types of cancer and more than 200 other conditions. It can also have negative consequences for mental health. Because LGBTQI+ people drink more alcohol on average, they face a greater risk of these health problems. With this project, we want to support them in a way that meets their needs. And in doing so, ensure equal opportunities for a healthy future.”
Minority stress
“The fact that LGBTQI+ young people drink more frequently may be related to the pressure they experience in society,” explains Gebi Seedorf, project manager at COC. “They are more often confronted with discrimination, negative expectations and minority stress. During the period between the ages of 12 and 24, when they are discovering their identity, they are also particularly susceptible to peer pressure, which can encourage alcohol use as a way of coping with these challenges. Through this project, we are gaining an increasingly clear understanding of the alcohol use of these groups and their needs in terms of health support.”
Because so many different factors are involved, there is no ready-made solution. That is why, in the first phase, COC, together with Rutgers and the Trimbos Institute, will investigate what works best for these specific groups. “We are doing this together with the young people,” says Seedorf. “We want to understand the role alcohol plays in their lives. Then, together with them and experts, we will develop tailored interventions, such as conversation starters and campaigns, as well as information aimed at healthcare professionals and policymakers who work with the target group. In this way, we can raise awareness and support healthier lifestyle choices that contribute to better physical and mental health.”
Queer & Sober
Jeroen van Zanten (36) recognises the picture painted by the figures. Around two years ago, he therefore founded the Queer & Sober Foundation in Amsterdam, which now has 700 members. Every week, they organise alcohol-free events for the queer community. “It is simply completely normal to have a drink. But you also see that there are people who do not feel comfortable with that. There is an increasing need for environments where it is perfectly fine not to drink, and where that social pressure is absent too.”
Over the next two years, the LGBTQI+ advocacy organisation COC will work to further develop this shift in norms within the community. It is doing so in collaboration with Rutgers, the centre of expertise on sexuality, and the Trimbos Institute, the knowledge institute for mental health, the use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs, and for gaming, digital media and gambling. KWF is investing a total of more than €400,000 in the project.
There are 2.7 million LGBTQI+ people in the Netherlands. This group is particularly large among those aged 15 to 25: 19 percent fall into this category.