For Immediate Release
September 23, 2004

Contact: Amon Rappaport (415) 257-2490 (office)
Leigh Steffy (415) 686-1232 (cell)
Mark Pertschuk (415) 250-8260 (cell)

LGBT Community Seeks Solutions to High Rate of
Alcohol-Related Problems

Chicago, IL -The unusually high rate of alcohol and other drug problems among LGBT people brings local, state, and national leaders in human rights, alcohol and other drug policy, treatment, and prevention to Chicago Friday to agree on priorities for addressing this urgent public health crisis. The group will convene for an intensive strategy session at the American Medical Association (AMA) sponsored by The Chicago Department of Public Health’s Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health, the Marin Institute, the Youth Leadership Institute and the AMA.

Rates of both alcohol consumption and alcohol problems are higher among lesbians and gay men compared to the general population. LGBT youth appear to use alcohol and other drugs at rates higher than those for other young people. Alcohol use also contributes to HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, and domestic violence.

Participants in the one-day strategy session will identify environmental factors that may increase alcohol problems in the LGBT community—such as advertising targeting LGBT people, and unsafe serving practices in bars—and develop potential solutions. The group will outline initial steps needed to implement a prevention project designed specifically for the LGBT community. Creation of this plan of action is timely in light of the report on the status of alcohol and other drug problems in the Chicago-area LGBT community that is being prepared by Mayor Daley’s Office and the Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health.

Spokespeople will be available to provide a progress report at the conclusion of the meeting, or by appointment.

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