‘Dancing+Queens’+–+LGBT+Culture+and+Illict+Drug+Use

Name: Kristina Holt Student Number: n8620580 Tutor: Michelle Newcomb

TOPIC: ‘The Drugs Don’t Work They Just Make it Worse’

** 'DANCING QUEENS' ** // ** Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Culture and Illict Drug Use in Australia ** //

(The Sydney Morning Herald, 2012) **__ The Artefact __** The above image and quote is from the openly gay, 2008 Beijing Olympic diving gold medalist, Matthew Mitcham, as he exposed his crystal methamphetamine addiction to the //The Sydney Morning Herald//, following his performance in the 2012 London Olympics. The interview was conducted to publicize his recent autobiography “//Twists and Turns”,// which unveils his struggle with low self esteem, depression and anxiety, marked by frequent panic attacks and self-harm episodes as a gay teenager, which in turn he claims fuelled his secret crystal meth dependence and addiction.

**__ Public Health Issue __** The public exposure of Matthew Mitcham’s methamphetamine dependence may be used to illustrate the discernable public health issue of illict drug use in Australia and in particular, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) population and the stereotypes and stigmas surrounding these drug dependent individuals. Illict drug use by the LGBT population is commonly associated with excessive alcohol consumption and extreme ‘sex partying’ (typified by consistent dance party attendance, regular sexual intercourse with multiple partners, unprotected anal sex with casual partners and frequent drug abuse) (Matheson, Roxburgh, Degenhardt, Howard & Down, 2010) In response to these threatening practices, new public health information and a variety of public health services and information related to substance abuse have been developed to specifically target the LGBT community. The majority of these policies and programs however, have neglected to acknowledge ‘pleasure’ as the leading incentive for illict drug use in the LGBT population (Race, 2009). The ideology that LGBT drug users may favour pleasure over personal health potentially highlights a major public health issue in Australia.



**__ Literature Review __** Societal reactions to LGBT individuals, such as homophobia and heterosexism, have a greater influence on LGBT illicit drug use than gender identity and sexual orientation themselves (Queensland Association for Healthy Communities, 2013). Eliason & Hughs (2004, p.625) found that anxiety associated with belonging to a frequently derided minority and the need to conceal and justify personal identity rated as key motives for increased drug usage within LGBT communities. Additionally, the influence of gay bars as a foremost social venue was also highlighted, as the majority of LGBT friendships and relationships are developed in a drug and alcohol fuelled environment.

There is significantly less discrepancy in patterns of alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) use of lesbian and gay men compared to the patterns observed in heterosexual men and women. The // Beyond Perceptions 2000 // report ( Murnane, Smith, Crompton, Snow & Munro) on alcohol and other drug use among gay, lesbian, bisexual and queer communities in Victoria identified less distinction between patterns of use between lesbians and gay men, in comparison to heterosexual men and women. LGBT users are less likely to refrain from using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (ATODS), and more likely to consume alcohol, suffer ATODS related syndromes and, continue illict drug and alcohol abuse with age.

Figure 1. Prevalence of LGBT ATODS use (QAHC, 2005).

Figure 1 presents the prevalence of LGBT ATODS use among 332 Queenslanders surveyed by the Queensland Association for Healthy Communities (QAHC) in 2005. Approximately 63.6% of those surveyed favoured Marijuana as a recreational drug, and approximately 62.9% had used Ecstasy, with over 40% accompanying this use with alcohol and tobacco consumption. sbian, bisexual and queer communities in Victoria identified less distinction between patterns of use between lesbians and gay men, in comparison to heterosexual men and women. LGBT users are less likely to refrain from using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (ATODS), and more likely to consume alcohol, suffer ATODS related syndromes and, continue illict drug and alcohol abuse with age. It is however, it is imperative to recognise the limitations of applied methodologies and resulting data in order to completely understand and redress the issue of LGBT illict drug use in Australia. Obtaining prevalence rates of LGBT ATODS use is restricted due to an undefined size of the LGBT population. In addition, there are only a minimal number of recent epidemiologic studies surveying ATODS use that have requested gender identity and sexual orientation when surveying ATODS use. Inconsistent methodologies do not enable multiple research studies to be contrasted. Furthermore comprehensive and reliable data on LGBT drug use is limited, as the national minimum data set excludes gender identity and sexual orientation, and the majority of LGBT-specific research conducted in Australia has favoured gay male cultures. (QAHC, 2013). According to the QAHC, the LGBT culture comprises of the following subcultures:
 * Gay Men/MSM
 * HIV Positive Gay/Bi Men
 * Bisexuals
 * Lesbians
 * Transgender
 * Youth
 * Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
 * Rural/Remote LGBIT
 * Older LGBIT

__ Gay Men/MSN __ In a researched based analysis of substance use and sexual risk taking of gay men/MSN (Mullens, Young, Dunne & Norton, 2010), drug use by Gay/MSM strongly correlated with patterns in HIV diagnosis. Substance abuse has been increasingly linked to specific social environments within the gay/MSM culture, such as bars and clubs that are free of denunciation. In these environments, illicit substance use has been identified as a stimulant for sexual risk taking and vice versa.



__ HIV Positive Gay/Bi Men __ The //What’s the Difference? 2002// report on h ealth issues of major concern to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) Victoriansfound that a concerning amount of HIV positive gay/bisexual men choose to continue the use of recreational drugs post HIV diagnosis. The report suggests a greater attachment to a drug taking culture, beyond an activity related to anxiety management and discriminative remarks from non-LGBT people.

__ Lesbians __ Results from the //Western Australian Lesbian and Bisexual Women's Health and Well-being Survey// (QAHC, 2007) identified 34% of lesbian and bisexual women living in Western Australia as users of an illicit drug within the past 6 months, with approximately 10% injecting the drug. The most favoured illicit drugs were cannabis, ecstasy and speed, and more than a quarter of participants were smokers and had an above average alcohol consumption rate.

__ Youth __ In 2008, the //Open Doors// survey, conducted by a Brisbane LGBT youtb service, //Open Doors//, analysed 164 LGB individuals aged 14-18 in Queensland. Approximately 29% of participants were reported to be marijuana users and an average one in five (18%) used illicit drugs such as ecstasy and methamphetamine. Illicit drug use was further correlated with the number of youth participants drinking alcohol (89%), an in particular those consuming alcohol to get drunk (71%).

The //Whats the Difference? 2002// report argues that sexuality-based discrimination both within and outside a school context is the primary lead to the reduced health and wellbeing status of LGBT youth. Furthermore, LGBT youth are more likely to suffer from depression, suicidal thoughts and have higher rates of absenteeism due to illicit drug use. In particular, the increased use of marijuana and ‘party drugs’ such as ecstasy, speed, and LSD (acid) highlight the issue of polydrug use within the population (Harland, C 2002). The National Centre on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University has also conducted further studies, which present a connection to increased risky sexual activity (including multiple sex partners) and youth LGBT drug and alcohol use.

__ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders __ According to the 2004 Queensland Survey of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM), approximately 2 out of 3 MSM used illict drugs frequently, with marijuana (56.9%), speed (21.9%) and ecstasy (18.8%) used mot frequently. In addition, 1 in 6 MSM consumed alcohol in risky amounts, and both alcohol and drug use rates were significantly higher than the non-MSM ATSI population.

__ Rural/Remote LGBT __ Discrimination of LGBT individuals is more prevalent in rural and remote areas where access to LGBT community networks and LGBT support and awareness health service providers is also reduced. As a result, rural LGBT youth are increasingly vulnerable due to a lack of educational materials on drug-help services and harm minimisation. Subsequently, LGBT youth are commonly injecting alone or are part of a street-based injection drug users (IDU) networks that often abuse speed and heroin (Harland, C 2002).

__ Older LGBIT __ The //Beyond Perceptions (2000)// Report indicates that members of the LGBT population continue drug and alcohol use with age, however, older LGBT individuals have expressed concern over the expanding use of illicit drugs in the LGBT community.

**__ Cultural and Social Analysis __** Evaluation of social theory, philosophy and/or research based analysis clearly identifies the need to acknowledge society and culture when redressing the issue of illict drug use in LGBT individuals and communities. The LGBT “community” is unique from other cultures as members may possess diverse beliefs, values and physical characteristics, and may not reside in a common geographic location. // A Provider’s Introduction to Substance Abuse Treatment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Individuals // report ( U.S Department of Health and Human Services on LGBT substance abuse treatment, 2003) found that LGBT individuals share the philosophy of legitimacy in their lifestyle, however, it was argued that prospecting research should focus more specifically on LGBT subcultures. Research has shown the amount of value placed on drugs differs between LGBT subcultures and age groups. For example, illicit drugs such as speed, ecstasy and LSD are abused more commonly within the commercial dance scene, older gay men and lesbians are more likely to use alcohol, a significant amount of lesbian individuals use tobacco, and the use of steroids is primarily concentrated to LGBT gym enthusiasts (Harland, C 2002). The LGBT community may be further broken down into the following sub cultures when examining LGBT illicit drug use;
 * ‘The Dancing Queen’
 * ‘The Smoking Lesbian’
 * ‘Gym-Junkies’
 * Transgender Populations

__ ‘The Dancing Queen’ __ A quote by //Beyond Perceptions (2000)// survey participant, Christos Tsiolkas, may be used to emphasise the drug issue in the LDBT commercial dance scene; //“// // People around me, they need drugs to love. That disturbs me. What if the drugs really didn’t work? //// What then? No dance parties, no clubs, no scene, //// no Mardi gras? No queer, no gay?”. // Illict drug use within the ‘Dancing Queen’ or gay dance party phenome non was found to have two patterning associates; attending dance parties and having sex within this scene. In both contexts, drugs are often used in combination and the philosophy of legitimacy in their lifestyle as ‘normalised’ these actions to an extent where illegality has been mislaid (Harland, C 2002). Furthermore, participating in these social activities within the commercial scene may allow LGBT people to adapt or assume a public identity as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Harland (2002), has made further associations to recreational drug and alcohol use and what it //means// to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. These philosophies may also be related to the elevated risk of hepatitis C and hepatitis A among gay men, where approximately 90 percent of all new hepatitis C infections in Australia are a result of injecting drug use (Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care, 2000).

__ The ‘Smoking Lesbian’ __ In //Beyond Perceptions (2000)//, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) of Victoria reported lesbians aged 20-29 to be the highest users of illict drugs and alcohol, with 28% smoking marijuana, and were also recorded as the highest users of steroids and cocaine. A connection between elevated smoking rates among lesbians and increased levels of stress and anxiety due to a lower socioeconomi c status may be a trigger, in addition to cultural norms within the lesbian community These ‘norms’ present a greater cultural barrier to quitting the habit, as smoking may be a communal cultural practice that accompanies their sense of collective and personal identity. (Harland, C 2002). The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) has reasoned that the side-effects and barriers of ceasing smoking such as weight-control, depression and child care issues may also contribute to the prevalence rates.

__ ‘Gym Junkies’ __ The elevated risk of hepatitis associated with high injection rates in the Dancing Queen population is also seen with Gym Junkies where there has been an upsurge in gay gym culture. An increased emphasis on the ‘ideal’ body image found embedded in the gym subculture within LGBT communities may be a significant motive for the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) by gay men. Generally, gay steroid users are older members of the community and inject their AAS, however, the correspondence between steroid and social drug injection poses a significant risk of hepatitis C and HIV and consequential public health issues.

__ Transgender Populations __ The female-to-male transgender population has also been highlighted as a significant user and ‘at-risk’ population as they often source steroids from the black market. These users may experience dangerously fluctuating hormone levels or ‘testorone rage’ due to illegal medical channels and fear of discrimination by seeking professional medical advice.

The preceding research suggests that it is essential that treatment options are evaluated and modified in correspondence to contemporary society when attempting to redress the public health issues associated with LGBT drug use. Comprehensive research has determined that LGBT individuals seldom seek advice from healthcare professionals as they fear the professional may present as bigoted or inexpert. Additionally, a great deal of current ATODS user treatment programs have failed to recognise the effect of social stigma and the diverse treatment needs of LGBT people (Center For Substance Abuse Treatment, US Department Of Health And Human Services, 2003). Thus, it is crucial that counselors discuss LGBT drug users emotions toward their sexual identity, heterosexism and homophobia, and are also accommodating of LGBT families i.e. lesbian mothers and gay fathers.

__ The Future __ The preceding research suggests that it is essential that treatment options are evaluated and modified in relation to contemporary society when attempting to redress the public health issues associated with LGBT drug use. Comprehensive research has determined that LGBT individuals seldom seek advice from healthcare professionals as they fear the professional may be bigoted or inexpert. Additionally, a great deal of current ATODS user treatment programs have failed to recognise the effect of social stigma and the diverse treatment needs of LGBT people (Center For Substance Abuse Treatment, US Department Of Health And Human Services, 2003). Thus, it is crucial that counselors discuss LGBT drug users emotions toward their sexual identity, heterosexism and homophobia, and are also accommodating of LGBT families i.e. lesbian mothers and gay fathers. Drug use in the LGBT community is a complex issue and there will be no simple solutions. The research whilst not extensive, suggests there is opportunity to target a number of specific subcultures and school age members of the community. Resources should therefore be directed this way.

**__ Analysis of the Artefact __** Matthew Mitcham is a victim of the LGBT drug culture and his story illustrates the danger of allowing this culture to become stronger. As a member of the LGBT population, it was almost inevitable that Matthew would be introduced to drugs at a young age. Once introduced, he joined the broader population of potential drug addicts. If public health is to make serious progress with drug addiction in the LGBT population then resources must be focused on the cause of the problem rather than treatment of symptoms. The key will be social change within cultures and subcultures. Whilst more information is needed to assist understanding of subcultures in the the LGBT community, enough information is available to at least begin to address some of the social drivers of this ultimately self-destructing behavior. It has been interesting to discover that subcultures within the LGBT population have very specific behaviour patterns and yet the problem begins prior to subculture selection by an individual invariably whilst they are still at school. Individuals continue to feel like social outcasts despite increased efforts to increase acceptance of the LGBT population by society in general. It obviously doesn’t help when political and religious groups continue to publicly denounce them and restrict their rights! Cultural change takes time and leaders must show the way. In the absence of change in the broader community, it is my view, that the public health system could begin to redress these problems by funding research to determine methods that might be successful in increasing self-image and self-protection of LGBT individuals within the subcultures that are already known to exist.

__**Learning Reflections**__ Sex Education - []

Indonesian Live Cattle Exports - []

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