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The LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans) movement has been known to be quite supportive of calls for drug law reform. Many harm reduction initiatives such as needle exchanges have been pioneered by LGBT groups, especially at times when there was little government interest in funding the fight against HIV and AIDS. LGB people are 3 times more likely to take MDMA, 8 times more likely to take Ketamine, and 25 times more likely to take Crystal Meth than their straight counterpart. Lesbian and bisexual women are up to 4 times more likely to become alcohol dependant than their straight counterparts. Whilst there is currently no reliable data on drugs use in the trans community, some studies with relatively small sample sizes suggest that the trans community has a very high level of drug use. Many party drugs have been pioneered in the LGBT community before diffusing into wider popular culture. There are several theories to explain why incidence of drug taking is higher in the LGBT community. Due to the effects of endemic homophobia, biphobia and transphobia, LGBT people are much more likely to be affected by mental health issues; 1 in 3 LGBT people are known to attempt suicide, and Gay and Bisexual men are more at risk of eating disorders and body image problems than heterosexual men. The link between mental health problems and increased levels drug taking is well documented, although it is worth noting that not all LGBT people have mental health problems, or take drugs. Another theory to explain why the LGBT community has a higher than average drug intake is due to the idea that if person doesn't conform to social norms of sexuality and gender identity, they are much more likely to break other social norms regarding drug use. Recently, the NUS LGBT campaign, the UK's largest LGBT organisation, voted to affiliate to Students for Sensible Drug Policy, and we continue to enjoy good relations with the campaigns Officers and Committee, and have been invited to give workshops on Drug Use in the LGBT community at their Activist Training Days. Whilst we have historically had a lot of support from LGBT groups on some campuses and communities, like with all groups support should not be presumed, many LGBT people have seen the very real harms associated with drug use and may initially be averse to supporting our aims. SSDP UK chapters should, where possible, aim to put on joint events with LGBT groups on campus and in local communities, and should at least inform LGBT groups about our affiliation to the NUS LGBT campaign and the workshops we offer on LGBT and Drug Use. For more information about these workshops, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Many student unions now celebrate LGBT History Month every February, encouraging joint events with the LGBT and other campaigns and societies, highlighting LGBT history and issues that effect LGBT people. This might be a good time to get a member of the SSDP UK board to run their LGBT and Drugs workshop, or to run joint events highlighting the roles of many prominent LGBT activists, such as Peter Tatchell, Dennis Peron and Kiyoshi Kuromiya, who have called for drug law reform. Other opportunities for collaborating with LGBT groups could be around World Aids Day (1st December) and the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) on May 17th. To get involved in our LGBT specific campaigns join the "LGBT Students for Sensible Drug Policy" group on Facebook! Relevant Links NUS LGBT Campaign http://www.nus.org.uk/Campaigns/LGBT/ |