A 2016 report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that the number of Queer community members reporting illicit drug use disorders is twice as many as their cis/het peers. According to GLAAD’s 2020 Accelerating Acceptance survey, people who identify as gay or lesbian are more than twice as likely to have a “severe” alcohol or tobacco use disorder than their het peers, people who identify as bisexual are three times as likely to develop a substance use disorder, and transgender students are two and a half times more likely to use drugs than cis students.
These alarming statistics are due in part to the unique difficulties faced by the Queer community due to outdated legal, religious, and ethical practices leading to Queerphobia and discrimination. It’s vital that members of the LGBTQ+ communities have access to empathetic and comprehensive treatment options within a community which supports addiction recovery. That’s why we’ll be hosting a table at Recovery Day Lancaster September 11 at Buchanan Park!
Recovery Day Lancaster is a celebration of healing which helps to normalize addiction recovery as a healthy and contributing factor towards a strong community. Recovery is more sustainable in a welcoming and supportive environment, so join us starting at 9:30 AM for a 5K walk for recovery, unity circle, and performances from Half Past Dead and Octavia Blues Band. There will be vendors, games, crafts, and more all day — so drop by and say hi!
Learn more about the event at lancastercountyrecovery.com
About Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition
At Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition, we are committed to building a supportive and enriching community abundant in opportunities for LGBTQIA+ individuals and those with a stake in creating a more inclusive Lancaster County. For more information, visit lgbtlancaster.org
