“People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) often face social stigma, discrimination, and other challenges not encountered by people who identify as heterosexual. They also face a greater risk of harassment and violence. As a result of these and other stressors, sexual minorities are at increased risk for various behavioral health issues. LGBTQ persons also have a greater likelihood than non-LGBTQ persons of experiencing a substance use disorder (SUD) in their lifetime, and they often enter treatment with more severe SUDs.”
In East Tennessee, we are fortunate to have organizations such as the Appalachian OUTreach program who aim to “empower, connect, and support the East Tennessee lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people through the provision of safe and healthy, inclusively welcoming and affirming programs and respect for partnerships, which promote community building, resource development, and education for all”
You can find out more about and support the Appalachian OUTreach program (as easily as linking your Kroger Rewards card) at https://appalachianoutreach.org/