Very interesting reading...

[ambitious_wench]

Remember the vouchers to print out to put in the Salvation Army kettles? Here's the group responsible:
Soulforce, inc.

From their website:

Alcoholism is a fatal chronic illness affecting the lives of 20 to 30% of the homosexual population (Ziebold & Mongeon, 1982). Studies have found that 35% of lesbians had a history of excessive drinking, compared to only 5% of the heterosexual women in the sample (Saghir, 1970; Lewis, 1982). Approximately 30% of lesbians and gay men are addicted to drugs (Rofes, 1983). The facts show that the homosexual community constitutes a high-risk population with regard to alcoholism and drug abuse.


Why is addiction such a problem?


It is important not to assume that homosexuality causes drug or alcohol abuse. When gays, lesbians and bisexuals internalize society's homophobic attitudes and beliefs, the results can be devastating. Society's hatred becomes self-hatred. As a minority group; gays, lesbians and bisexuals are victims of systemic and ongoing oppression. It can lead to feelings of alienation, despair, low self-esteem, self-destructive behaviour, and substance abuse (Nicoloff & Stiglitz, 1987).


Some gays, lesbians and bisexuals resort to substances as a means to numb the feelings of being different, to relieve emotional pain or to reduce inhibitions about their sexual feelings. Substance abuse often begins in early adolescence when youth first begin to struggle with their sexual orientation. When surrounded by messages telling you are wrong and sick for who you are, eventually you begin to believe it. Having to hide your identity and deal with homophobic comments and attitudes-- often made by unknowing friends and family -- can have a profound effect on you. Lesbians and gay men are also 7 times more likely to be the victims of crimes than the average citizen (National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, 1984). In response to this overwhelming oppression and homophobia, many lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals use alcohol and drugs to cope.


Homophobia in our society has limited the opportunities for gays and lesbians to meet each other safely. The gay bar culture emerged as a place to find other gays and lesbians without fear of harassment. The gay bar is a seductive institution. It is the most available place where people can explore being gay and socialize. There is also a lack of alternative alcohol-free places and occasions to socialize within the gay community. This only intensifies the implied connection between drinking and socializing in gay and lesbian social circles.

I've known people who claim that homosexuality is wrong because it leads to drug addiction and alcoholism. No, the reason drug addiction and alcoholism is high in the LGBT community is because of the oppression from a homophobic culture.

Soulforce wants to put an end to "spiritual violence" against the LGBT community. Thank you, Soulforce.

Comments

addendum

[cd332.livejournal.com]

I thought it was Having to hide your identity and deal with homophobic comments and attitudes-- often made by unknowing religious websites that led to alcoholism.


And gay bars are seductive primarily because the probability of rhythmic booty-shaking is higher at said locales.


These guys need to do some hands-on studies.

Re: addendum

[ambitious-wench.livejournal.com]

Why not offer to take them out, CD? *grin* I'm sure you could convince them. But yes, I'd say that hiding your identity is among the factors not listed.

Glad to see you commenting, my friend.
Edie

Re: addendum

[cd332.livejournal.com]

I still remember that one comment you left on my journal when I was in Rio de Janeiro. I think it went something like this "Come back to us cd!" I always remember that comment warmly. It's like being out at sea and seeing people on shore waving you in (while you're thinking to yourself, "I'm too tired to fight this current.")

My aunt in australia is a hyper religious woman. She knows the 411 when it comes to sending her daughters here to visit us. She knows between my sister and I, not a single soul is leaving this country until everyone takes their turn dancing on the bartop with a lampshade on their heads while Shep Pettibone megamix of Liza Minelli is blaring through the speakers.


Because as you know, that's all us gays ever do right?

Re: addendum

[ambitious-wench.livejournal.com]

Man, I'm telling you, all you transy folks get to have *all* the fun.

*sigh* and here I am, stuck in the backwaters of New England, and the best I can hope for is a night watching the butches posture at Devilles.

Go, you!
*grin*