March 1986
Gay Peoples Chronicle
page 7
OVEN Concert on April 26-
Gay & Lesbian Substance Abuse
By DAWN L. VANDERZEE and ALLEN L. RALSTON-
The People and their Issues
Gays and lesbians must learn how to build strong ego defenses to survive in a cominant society that wrongly labels homosexuals as criminal sick, immoral and sinful. Gays who build these ego defenses to protect their sexuality in a hostile Society may unknowingly let the same psychic reflexes block awareness of a growing dependency on alcohol.
The effects of stigmatization run silent and deep and the risk for gays and lesbians is that they become vulnerable to addictive behavior as a mechanism for relieving anxiety and pain. The anti-homosexual attitudes held by much of society serve to further impair the sexual minority's self esteem. Persons easily feel so badly about themselves that they are reluctant to be open about their sexuality in a predominantly nongay group, fearing rejection and isolation. Attempting to hide or disguise their normal but different sexuality leads to decreased group participation. Decreased
honesty ultimately prevents them from receiving the help
increase of est
maintain sobriety.
*Many gays and lesbians in treatment feel they must conceal their sexuality.
*Nearly all gays and lesbians in recovery must deal positively and realistically with their sexuality
order to stop using it an an excuse to drink.
*Some lesbians are separatists and will not mix with men.
*Many sexual minorities have internalized society's attitudes of disgust and disapproval of homosexuality and need help developing a positive gay or lesbian identity.
*Too often the lovers and family members of days and lesbians are overlooked or ignored.
*Because of the strong influence of fundamentalist religion in our culture, the sexual minority may have an excess of religious guilt and may need special religious counseling by those who are acccepting.
*The law ordinarily does not protect the civil rights of gays and lesbians. The service agencies and individuals must be both sensitive and protective.
Primary to assisting the gay or lesbian substance abuser is the development of an understand of the basic social and emotional realities with which the person must deal. Although many issues faced may be fundament---no ally similar to those of other alcoholics, the problems and issues of sexual minorities generally assume a special identity...
*Being both alcoholic and gay or lesbian can create an excess of negative attributes such as self pity, denial, depression, fear, low self esteem and isolation.
There are no easy answers
simple solutions or methods that work for every gay or lesbian. Each person is an individual and each carries the potential for health. A mandate exists to provide the environment and assistance necessary to the recovery of gays and lesbians.
[To be continued in our next issue.]
NCLA Events
The regular NCLA meeting is March 11, 8 p.m. at the Small Group Room in the Civic.
The NCLA Support/discussion Group will meet March 25 at 8 p.m. in the Small Group Room. Please bring a 50-cent donation. Next meeting is April 22.
On March 29 NCLA is having to 11 p.m. in the Community Room of the Civic. Bring à covered dish to serve 6. Beverages will be provided.
Upcoming: April 19 Video Night, Community Room, the Civic. Film will star Whoopi Goldberg. $2.
Top, Teresa Trull & Bonnie Hayes; lower left, Romanovsky & Phillips; right, Dierdre McCalla
Conference on Lesbian
Addiction and Health
Coming Out Whole, a conference on addiction and health within the Lesbian community, will be held Saturday, April 5, at the Michigan Union in Ann Arbor. All Lesbians, friends, and professionals who work with Lesbians are welcome.
The Conference organizers note that addiction can take many forms. Any behavior that is repeated over and over again, despite its negative consequences in our lives, may qualify as an unhealthy
addiction. Drugs, alcohol, food, and relationships are some common examples. The internal and external pressures of living a Lesbian lifestyle create an environment in which Les-
bians have an above-average chance of being affected by addiction--either their own or that of someone close to them.
Keynote speaker will be Jean Swallow, editor of Out from Under: Sober Dykes & our Friends, published by Spinsterks, lok.
Topics that will be addressed by Conference speak-
ers and workshops include: Defining and identifying addiction; Our own need for growth whether we "use" or care about someone who "uses"; How patterns of addiction affect families; Lesbian lifestyle and addiction; Lesbian battering and substance abuse; Getting help in "straight" programs; Issues and information for professionals working with Lesbians; and Living healthier lives and creating a healthier Lesbian community.
About 15 workshops, two speakers, and a panel will be offered on April 5, followed by an evening performance of local musicians and a chemical-free dance.
On Sunday, April 6, Jean Swallow will lead a writing workshop dealing with issues of addiction and recovery.
For further information call Nancy Blum at (313)763-4186.
Registration brochures may be obtained from the Human Sexuality Office, 3116 Michigan Union, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.
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ANDREW PETER BEEBE, PH.D.—
PSYCHOLOGIST
2460 FAIRMOUNT BLVD.
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AND AWARENESS
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Mailing Address:
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Foundation Office (216) 651-1999
Cleveland Lesbian/Gay Hotline
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Ohio Dept. of Health AIDS Hotline 1-800-332-AIDS
Community Center
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(1⁄2 block south of Lorain) SHANA R. BLESSING Executive Director
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