Stirling’s MSP has backed calls for greater support for LGBT people affected by alcohol issues after hearing the case of a Stirling constituent.
Evelyn Tweed joined the debate at Holyrood which followed a report by Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems which identified problems with people from the LGBT community in accessing valuable alcohol services.
The concerns identified in the SHAAP report included fears over discrimination, a perception that alcohol support services were not LGBT friendly and a lack of openness around sexuality and gender from providers.
Ms Tweed cited the testimony of an anonymous Stirling local in Parliament, who said: “I started to drink when I was about 16. Initially I drank “just to fit in” at the weekend, normal teenage stuff.
“However, my drinking became more problematic in the run up to, and after, I came out as gay at 17.
“The single memory I have that led me to drinking more frequently, was a teacher pulling me aside ahead of a school trip and saying to me, ‘You’ll be sharing a room with other boys so no funny business’.
“This event sticks in my head so vividly. It made me feel isolated and ashamed of my sexuality. After this I began to drink almost every night after school and there were a few occasions where I drank at lunchtimes during the school day.
“There is no doubt my shame of being gay definitely led to me drinking more heavily.”
Respondents to the SHAAP survey said there was a lack of alcohol-free spaces for LGBT people in Scotland and a culture of excessive drinking was normalised in the community.
Ms Tweed said: “Whilst alcohol plays a central role in social connections, for some in the LGBTQI community drinking may be a response to discrimination, family rejection or forming their identity.
“With this report’s recommendations, we could make a real difference to the experience of LGBTQI people.
“I welcome better links between alcohol and mental health services, as well as more focus on how we de-normalise drinking for all young people, in particular LGBTQI people.”
“Scotland is proud to place inclusivity at the heart of what we do so let’s listen to the LGBTQI community and use their lived experience to improve our offering to them in public services.”
