Addiction does not discriminate and neither do we.
Taking Action on Addiction is proud to be supporting Pride month and we send all our good wishes to LGBTQ+ colleagues, supporters, and friends who are marking the occasion this June.
Today, celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, and concerts, and LGBTQ Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world. Memorials are held during this month for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS.
The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognise the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally. For the LGBTQ+ community, taking Pride in their sexuality and gender means the promotion of self-affirmation, dignity, equality, and increased visibility of LGBTQ+ people as a social group.
The need to keep marching!
- The LGBTQ+ community continues to fight for equality and social acceptance.
- People from the LGBTQ+ community still face stigma, and for those who also live with substance use issues, can face further stigmatisation.
- 30% of the LGBTQ+ community struggle with addiction.
- The prevalence of addiction among gay and bisexual men is 3 times higher than for heterosexual men.
- For lesbian and bisexual women, it is 4 times higher.
- For trans people, the rates are even higher still.
- LGBTQ+ people are 4 times as likely to have suicidal ideation and to act on those thoughts.
- 1 in 7 LGBTQ+ people don’t access healthcare settings due to fear of stigma and discrimination.
- 1 in 10 people from the LGBTQ+ community find it difficult to rent or buy property.
- 1 in 4 LGBTQ+ people from ethnic minority communities experienced discrimination when accessing social services.
This needs to change!
How are you celebrating Pride month?
We’ve kicked off our Pride celebrations with a very special message from the one and only The Vivienne, winner of the first RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, runner up on Dancing on Ice and star of the West End.
Some of our partner organisations will be present at Pride events up and down the country. Say hello if you see them at a stall or on the parade.
Let us know what you are doing to mark the occasion too. Please send your photos and stories to takingactiononaddiciton@forwardtrust.org.uk We’ll be sharing them in our next TAOA newsletter.