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Survey reveals gay health concerns by Bob Josefsberg Special to Q-Notes WASHINGTON, DC—health survey conducted at the Millennium March on Wash ington revealed that depression and mental health are among the most serious health con cerns for gay men and lesbians. Depression and mental health topped a list of health concerns that included, among other things, HIV/AIDS, drug use, heart disease, aging and eating disorders. In fact, the issue of depression and mental health was the number one concern for lesbians and the number one concern for gay men after HIV/AIDS. “Depression and mental health are serious issues for the gay and lesbian community,” said- Stephen Goldstone, MD, FACS (Fellow of the American College of Surgeons), practicing sur geon and founder of GayHealth.com. “This survey helps shed light on a problem that has long existed, but has received little attention.” Almost 75 percent of the respondents to the survey believe that depression is more common among gay men and lesbians than in the gen eral population. Goldstone noted that it’s no surprise that gay men and lesbians identified depression and mental health as a major con cern, given the daily challenges that they face. Living openly or closeted each brings its own pressures that can affect a person’s health and depression can stem from a sense of isolation that so many feel, he said. The problem of depression may also be heightened or caused by an individual’s behav ior, added Goldstone. For example, the degree TO which someone uses illegal drugs or con sumes alcohol can affect his or her mental health. Interestingly, these Issues also ranked high as health concerns among gay and lesbian respondents. A significant finding from the survey was the common use of “party drugs” among gay male respondents. Nearly 40 percent of gay men surveyed at the Millennium March said that “party drugs,” such as cocaine, special K, crys tal, ecstasy and GHB, are used at least once a month or more among their close circle of friends. But an almost equal number, more than 38 percent, said that “party drugs” are never used among their close circle of friends. Also significant was the finding that lesbi ans ranked alcohol abuse as their second high est health concern for the community after de pression and mental health. More than 30 per cent of gay men reported the same concern. “What we are seeing is the mental and be havioral health are among the most pressing concerns for gay men and lesbians,” said Gold stone. “Medical professionals need to recognize that these issues should be an integral part of any patient evaluation and they should treat patients accordingly. Gay and lesbian health is more than just sexual practices.” Other findings of the survey include: • More than 70 percent of lesbians and more than 60 percent of gay men have sought or are actively considering mental health counseling. • '^en asked where GLBT health organi zations should focus their attention in the fu ture, respondents identified depression as their number one choice after HIV/AIDS. • Seventy-five percent of those surveyed be lieve that drug, alcohol and tobacco addiction is greater in the gay community than in the general public. • Almost 90 percent of gay men believe that “party drugs” are a threat to the health of the community. • Almost 40 percent of gay men surveyed said that a partner has pressured them to have unprotected or unsafe sex. • Nearly one in four respondents reported having been struck or hit by a boyfriend or girl friend. (In many instances, gay and lesbian vic tims of domestic violence receive fewer protec tions than heterosexuals under various state laws and have fewer support services available to them, according to the American Bar Associa tion.) The fear of being “outed,” or perceived law enforcement bias may also limit reporting. • More than 83 percent of gay men and les bians surveyed feel it is important or very im portant to have a gay or gay-friendly physician. • The vast majority of gay men and lesbians who completed the survey were out to family and close friends — 97 percent and 86.3 per cent, respectively. And more than 72 percent reported that their doctor knows they are gay. In light of the findings on depression and mental health, it’s very encouraging to see such a large number of people living openly and honestly,” Goldstone. “Events such as the Mil lennium March and gay pride celebrations can play a crucial role in the development of a posi tive self-image. Gay men and lesbians need to know that they are not alone.” ▼ Log Cabin members endorse Bush by Anabel Evora Special to Q-Notes WASHINGTON, DG—Gay rights organi zations and activists are questioning the reason ing behind the Log Cabin Republican’s surpris ing endorsement of George W. Bush despite his overwhelmingly anti-gay record as gover nor ofTexas and statements as the GOP presi dential nominee. “As a nonpartisan organization, HRC [Hu man Rights Campaign] endorses candidates from both major parties with the clear under standing that they support our issues,” said HRC Executive Director Elizabeth Birch. “The Log Cabin endorsement is perplexing because the group is throwing its support behind a can didate who opposes gay and lesbian equality and continues to succumb to the far right. For gay and lesbian Americans, there is no clear ra tionale or coherent reason to support Bush’s candidacy.” In 39 states, it is still legal to fire people be cause of their sexual orientation. There is a bill in Congress to stop this injustice. But Bush has not indicated his support and referred to non discrimination laws as “special treatment of people.” The grisly murder of James Byrd Jr. in Bush’s home state of Texas, shocked the nation. De spite pleas by the Byrd family. Bush helped de feat a hate crime bill in Texas, primarily be cause it provided coverage based on sexual ori entation, and he has not expressed support for the hate crime bill that passed the Senate ear lier this summer. Again in Texas, Bush supported a law that would have banned gay people from adopting. Based on his comments, he would rather see children languish in foster care than find lov ing, secure homes with gay or lesbian parents: “I am against gay adoption. I believe children ought to be adopted in families with a woman and a man who are married.” On the issue of AIDS, Bush has pushed ab stinence-only education as the way to stop the spread of HIV. He also opposes needle exchange programs that have shown to be effective in reducing the transmission of this epidemic. “The Log Cabin Republicans must have had to look extraordinarily hard to see a silver lin ing in what is unquestionably a dark cloud of a record,” said HRC Political Director Winnie Sfachelberg. “It is admirable that they tried and continue to try to make sincere inroads into the Bush campaign, but those efforts have not resulted in a single affirmative policy position in support of gay and lesbian Americans.” While his actions have been decidedly anti gay, his inaction has been equally disturbing. While an earlier draft of the GOP platform deleted some of the anti-gay language, all of it was restored. Bush did nothing to publicly call for the removal of the anti-gay rhetoric and policy statements from the GOP platform. Daniel McGlinchey, political director of National Stonewall Democrats, was predictably more blunt, accusing the Log Cabin Republi cans of supporting “a Republican presidential candidate whose only concrete promise so far is to not call us names.” A prime threat from a Bush White House would be almost certain new appointments to the US Supreme Court. Hesays Justice Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas are the justices he most admires. This is a solid indication that any Justice that Bush appoints to the Supteme Court would be hostile to gay and lesbian equal ity. If Bush is elected, it could further tip the balance of the court and set back decades of civil rights advances, including a woman’s right to choose. “The verdict is in. A Bush/Cheney admin istration has the potential to be very harmful for gays and lesbians,” said Stachelberg. “There is not a single reason why a gay or lesbian per son should vote for Bush.” T Q-Notes T August 19, 2000 ▼ PAGE 5 Lisa Griffin, Ph.D. Your FAMILY Therapist griffin @ insideinterest.com (704) 458-0433 Are you getting what you want from life? Would you like experienced guidance as you identify and achieve your goals? Even successful, intelligent people often feel encumbered by low self-esteem, conflict-ridden relationships, unsatisfying careers, and baggage from the past. For ten years, I have helped people like you uncover, understand, and transcend the old patterns that hinder them. Make an investment in yourself. Discover, embrace, and celebrate who you really are. Fee is $90 per 60-minute session. Services may be covered by your health insurance. 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