The LGBT+ community has a long history with alcohol and substance abuse, understandable considering the fact that some of the first refuges for LGBT+ people to meet and talk were gay clubs and bars. But as times have progressed, Frankie Smith asks why there aren’t more alcohol- free spaces available for LGBT+ youth.

Frankie Smith

The fact that we are more affected by alcohol and substance abuse than our heterosexual counterparts is no secret. This can be caused by issues such as homophobic abuse, mental health issues, and discrimination. Therefore, we tend to turn to drugs and alcohol for a release or an escape.

Casual alcoholism is rife in the community, and gay bars can have a tendency to exacerbate binge drinking with activities and events that push on us the “need” to drink alcohol to have a good time. Events that give free drinks as prizes are doing nothing to help the problem.

Another issue that is also quite apparent is that bars and clubs aren’t ideal for disabled people, as there are usually stairs and steps with no wheelchair-accessible ramps. Along with that, the loud music and crowded atmosphere in a club could be an issue for a neurodiverse person, as there could be the possibility of a sensory overload.

The lack of alcohol-free LGBT+ spaces in Ireland (specifically Dublin) is a huge problem for young LGBT+ people. Every day, on Twitter, people campaign for the need for “gay cafes” and “gay libraries”, and other places for young LGBT+ people to go and sit and talk and meet up. Bars and clubs are not for everyone, and the fact that there aren’t many cafes available to LGBT+ young people is shocking. We need places to meet, socialise, and talk, without feeling the pressure to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.