CHECK Magazin - Gesundheitsmagazin für Männer No.9

Community
Figures from 2016 show that by the age of
12–17, more than twice as many boys (14 %)
as girls (6 %) drink alcohol regularly. The
higher consumption and the better tolerance
of alcohol are risk factors for the development
of addiction.
QUEER PEOPLE ARE PARTICULARLY
VULNERABLE
Alcohol is a major cause of premature mortality.
In addition to impairing the ability to
concentrate and react, as well as perception
and judgement, even small amounts of alcohol
increase the risk of many diseases. The
liver, pancreas, brain and nervous system as
well as the blood and cardiovascular system,
the hormone balance, the muscles and the
immune system can be damaged. In addition,
alcohol is one of the “top 10” cancer triggers
– especially for cancer of the mouth, throat,
oesophagus, colon and rectum and breast in
women. Psychological impairments such as
mood swings, anxiety, depression and even
suicidal tendencies can also be caused by
prolonged alcohol abuse.
But one group stands out when it comes to
alcohol consumption: queer people, including
gay and bisexual men in particular. The 2014
US National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)
found that 26 % of straight people, 35 % of
gays and lesbians, and 42 % of bisexuals had
binge-drinked at least once in the previous
12 months. Among men, it was even 56 % of
bisexuals and 42 % of gays compared to 35 %
of heterosexuals.
The figures make it alarmingly
clear that we are still a long way
from achieving equal health
opportunities for LGBTI* people.
The study situation shows worldwide health
disparities between sexual minorities and the
heterosexual majority society. A recent analysis
also showed that gay men have a higher
risk of mental illness than heterosexual men.
In 2020, federal health reporting also drew attention
to the fact that not only is alcoholism
more prevalent among gay and bisexual men,
but also drug addiction, anxiety disorders,
depression and suicidality. The figures make
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