Recently, NBC News highlighted a growing LGBTQ movement. To help promote abstinence from drugs and alcohol within that community, a term Queer & Sober has begun to emerge. This actually reflects a whole lifestyle, that includes booze-free venues and “clean” events where like minded friends can mingle and avoid addictive temptations.
As the article explains, this is especially helpful amongst the LGBTQ community because “safe havens” and meeting locales have traditionally been gay bars and clubs. It is also worth noting that addictions and substance abuse issues are particularly high amongst this sect.
As recently as last October, the journal Psychiatric Services called out stressors like discrimination and gender identity stigmas contribute greatly to dependency disorders within the LGBTQ community. Youths appear to be affected even more, with the highest percentages impacting those between the ages of 21 and 34.
Sober bars are certainly a great solution to the issue and, truth be told, they are popping up much more frequently. But these are often mainstream establishments and lack the inclusive nature of a gay bar. To help solve for this, more and more Queer Sober Social events are being organized across the United States. One very popular one occurs monthly within the Chicago region and, as organizer Hollie Lambert told NBC, it has changed the lives of many.
“Most sober spaces cater to a heterosexual and monogamous crowd,” she explained in the article. “Most queer social events focus on bars and parties where drugs and alcohol are present. Ours do neither and they have gotten a fantastic response. People are extremely grateful for the space — many thank us throughout the night and offer to help us organize. We now have a small list of volunteers just from our first event. Response from the community has been incredibly supportive, and we’re so glad we’re tapping into a need.”
Similar events are now commonplace in areas like Texas, New York and our home state of California. And that’s not all. There are also a variety of LGBTQ dry meetups at places like coffee shops, public parks and restaurants. Business establishments are embracing this movement too, including the sober influenced Queer Chocolatier.
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We, for one, are very excited to see sobriety gain support across so many different cultures and lifestyles. Let’s hope trends like these continue to grow and thrive.
