The role of alcohol in identity construction among LGBT people: a qualitative study

Abstract

Research suggests that alcohol use and misuse are higher among lesbian, gay and bisexual than heterosexual populations, yet the social context of drinking in sexual minority communities has rarely been examined. To explore lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people's relationship with alcohol, we conducted seven focus groups (N = 33) with pre-existing groups of friends and work colleagues (18 to 52 years) in Scotland, UK. We identified and analysed patterns in our data using thematic analysis. Respondents perceived heavy drinking as central to the commercial gay scene. Choice of drink and drinking vessel was an important part of identity construction. Respondents discussed the perception that gay men would drink alcopops and cocktails while lesbians would drink pints of beer. Even when stereotypes were dismissed as inaccurate, they were still thought to pressure people to drink 'appropriately'. Respondents who did not identify as male or female, and those who used drag, were particularly aware of their choice of drink as a means to express identity or to challenge people's preconceptions about gender. Researchers developing interventions to reduce alcohol-related harm in sexual minority populations need to take account of the central role of identity construction in LGBT drinking practices.

‘I feel like I have to become part of that identity’: Negotiating femininities and friendships through alcohol consumption in Newcastle, UK

“…Ally and Eve identified as bisexual, and it may be that they experienced particular forms of imagined or real pressure to 'fit in' when engaging in the explicitly heteronormative context of a 'girls' night out' in mainstream bars and clubs (particularly as it might be normalised or even expected that lesbian or bisexual women would drink beer on the gay scene (see Emslie et al 2017)). In contrast, participants such as Nicole, Megan and Joannawho most enthusiastically talked about drinking 'girly' drinks and enjoying the way these drinks look and tasteall identified as heterosexual.…”

The role of alcohol in constructing gender & class identities among young women in the age of social media

“…However, these individualistic discourses tend to “minimize the role of social structural limitations … in the formation of identities and life paths” ( Dobson, 2012 ), p371 As Dobson (2012) argues, navigating the contradictory discourses of postfeminist femininity is likely to be particularly difficult for young women from lower socio-economic groups, and the risks of failure are also likely to be greater. Our previous work with other authors has focused on the intersections between gender and sexuality ( Emslie, Lennox, Ireland, 2017 ), gender and age ( Emslie, Hunt, & Lyons, 2013 ; Emslie et al, 2015 ; Lyons, Emslie, & Hunt, 2014 ; Lyons, McCreanor et al, 2014 ; Lyons & Willott, 2008 ; Willott & Lyons, 2012 ), and gender and ethnicity ( Goodwin, Griffin, Lyons, McCreanor, & Moewaka Barnes, 2016 ) in relation to identity and drinking practices. This paper explores how gender and social class intersect and are embedded in identity and drinking practices.…”

Acceptability of pharmacotherapy for hazardous alcohol use among men who have sex with men: Findings from a qualitative study

“…It has been suggested that interventions to reduce drinking must acknowledge the social contexts in which alcohol is used ( Emslie, Lennox, & Ireland, 2017 ; Vagenas et al, 2017 ). Similarly, social support plays an integral role in health-related behaviors with profound social contexts.…”

“…Similarly, social support plays an integral role in health-related behaviors with profound social contexts. Given that bars and clubs provide important public refuge for LGBTQ communities ( Emslie et al, 2017 ), a non-abstinence approach would allow individuals to continue to access a social resource embedded in LGBTQ culture. However, emerging evidence linking LGBTQ bars to increased rates of AUD and other substance use disorders among MSM indicates a potential need for interventions to address drinking norms in the community ( Cochran, Grella, & Mays, 2012 ; Stall et al, 2001 ).…”