Following leading a debate last month on LGBTQI+ alcohol harm and after attending a Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) parliamentary event, Emma Roddick has made further calls to the Scottish Government to ensure alcohol services more effectively support LGBTQ+ people.
The Highlands and Islands MSP attended a Parliament event held by Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) which highlighted the significant alcohol-related health inequalities experienced by the Scottish LGBTQ+.
Roddick said:
“I firmly believe this is an issue that needs to be tackled urgently.
“The important research from SHAAP has shown that much more needs to be done to support LGBTQ+ people who have an alcohol problem.
“Following last month’s debate, I have written- along with cross-party colleagues- to the Scottish Government to ensure the needs of LGBTQ+ people are met.
“This is an issue which is particularly pertinent to my region, where many LGBTQ+ people living in rural areas can face barriers from accessing support services or feel isolated due to their queer identity.”
At the event, Roddick signed a joint letter to the Scottish Government, which asks them to ensure that the LGBTQ+ community is fully supported by alcohol services in Scotland.
Elinor Jayne, SHAAP Director commented:
“Given the disproportionate alcohol harms experienced by the LGBTQ+ community, it is imperative that the needs of LGBTQ+ people are explicitly addressed in the upcoming Scottish Government Alcohol Treatment Guidance, in order to tackle these inequalities and reduce the stigma experienced by LGBTQ+ individuals in accessing alcohol treatment services.
“The Scottish Parliament should show leadership in generating more public understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ+ people and reduce the stigma they experience.”
