Summary

• An estimated 1.4 million people over the age of 16 in the UK identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) in 2019, according to the Office for National Statistics.
• Patterns in alcohol use vary among different orientations and gender identities, but overall there is a higher prevalence of hazardous drinking among the LGBTQ+ population compared to the general population, particularly among women.
• Most research about alcohol harm focuses on sexual health outcomes among gay and bisexual men, and has focused on the relationships between alcohol use and sexual health and HIV. LGBTQ+ people experience around double the odds of alcohol dependence compared to the general population, and also experience a higher prevalence of mental illnesses that can co-occur with alcohol use.
• 3 percent of people in alcohol treatment identified as gay or lesbian in 2019-2020. Significant barriers to receiving healthcare exist for LGBTQ+ people.
• There are many gaps in knowledge around LGBTQ+ people and alcohol. Surveys and studies should present a greater variety of intersectional data on protected characteristics. More research is needed to represent LGBTQ+ women and trans people to prevent alcohol harm and make services feel safer and more inclusive.