"Queer spaces have long been tied to nightlife culture, born from necessity in bars and clubs where safety and community were first found. But what started as a sanctuary has, for some, become a source of harm. As rates of addiction, relapse, and overdose climb across the LGBTQ+ population, we must reckon with an uncomfortable truth: celebration shouldn't come at the cost of our lives."
"A 2020 study from the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that LGBTQ adults are more than twice as likely to experience substance use disorders as their heterosexual peers. Rates among transgender individuals are even higher, driven by disproportionate levels of stigma, trauma, and mental health challenges. Among queer men, the use of methamphetamine, particularly in the context of sex, remains a pressing public health concern."
"The event was meant to be a safe space, but the atmosphere was somber, the crowd sparse. As fireworks lit up the Hudson River, one of them asked, "Why isn't there something big and fun for us?" That question sparked a movement. The following year, that same group pooled their resources and threw a sober Pride party they dubbed "The Wild West." It was rowdy, vibrant, and completely alcohol-free. Over 300 people showed up."
Nightlife served as the primary refuge where LGBTQ+ people found safety and community, but heavy drinking and drug culture have increasingly caused harm. LGBTQ+ adults experience substance use disorders at more than double the rate of heterosexual peers, with transgender individuals facing even higher prevalence due to stigma, trauma, and mental health challenges. Queer men face rising methamphetamine use tied to sexual contexts. Contributing factors include normalized heavy use, cultural expectations that partying defines queer life, and ongoing discrimination-related stress. The COVID-19 pandemic heightened isolation and relapse. Community-led sober events have emerged to celebrate sobriety and provide inclusive alternatives without banning alcohol.
Read at Advocate.com
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