LGBTQ+ Health and Drug Use: Addressing Unique Challenges and Building Inclusive Support Systems
Tracks
Ballroom 1
Ballroom 2
Springbrook Room
Exhibition Hall
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 |
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM |
Overview
Professor Adam Bourne, Professor of Public Health, Director of the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University in Melbourne
Speaker
Professor Adam Bourne
Professor of Public Health, Director
Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University in Melbourne
LGBTQ+ Health and Drug Use: Addressing Unique Challenges and Building Inclusive Support Systems
Abstract
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer people (LGBTQ+) use a range of illicit substances much more commonly than is the case for their cisgender and/or heterosexual counterparts, although the nature and circumstances of such use varies considerably across different parts of the LGBTQ+ community. There is also increasing evidence that LGBTQ+ people may be more likely to experience problems with their drug use such that it has a negative impact on their daily lives and relationships. There is a significant, but not exclusive, co-location of problematic drug use with considerable mental health concerns that are unfortunately commonplace among LGBTQ+ people. Self-recognition of problematic use is significantly challenged by differing social norms and cultures of drug use among LGBTQ+ people. It’s also the case that these differing cultures and modes of drug use are not always well understood by health professionals working with people who use drugs, resulting in missed opportunities for early intervention to reduce harm. At the same time, we increasingly understand how alcohol and other drugs can play an important role in personal expression, queer community connection and identity development for LGBTQ+ people, which challenges traditional understandings of the negative role that alcohol and other drugs can play in peoples’ lives. This keynote talk will explore all of these issues, highlighting key issues to be attentive to in clinical interactions with LGBTQ+ people as well as how the unique needs of LGBTQ+ should be considered in the design and commissioning of alcohol and other drug use services. It will also outline strategies that can be employed to ensure safe, affirming and inclusive environments for all LGBTQ+ people accessing health services.
Biography
Adam Bourne is Professor of Public Health and Director of the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University where he leads the largest program of LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing research anywhere in Australia. He is an international expert in alcohol and other drug use among LGBTIQ+ communities and has published seminal papers on patterns and motivators for use, as well as having led numerous studies exploring engagement with professional support services. He is Co-Chair of the Victorian Whole of Government LGBTIQ+ Ministerial Taskforce and member of the Commonwealth LGBTIQ+ Health and Wellbeing 10-Year Action Plan Expert Advisory Group.
