“NZ gays are chemical caners” screamed an overseas headline last week, after a study showed higher use of alcohol and other drugs in our gay, lesbian and bisexual population. Ministry of Health-funded interviewers canvassed 15,000 New Zealanders by phone in 2003 and 2004. When Massey University researchers studied the results, they found that compared to the general population in the past year, those who identified themselves as lesbian, gay and bisexual were: ‘Only slightly' more likely to use alcohol Almost twice as likely to have smoked tobacco regularly Twice as likely to have used Marijuana Nearly four times as likely to have used amphetamines regularly More than four times as likely to have used LSD More than three times as likely to have regularly used Ecstasy The conclusion? “Health promotion initiatives and substance use interventions targeted specifically at gay, lesbian and bisexual populations need to be established,” said lead researcher Frank Pega. HOMO-HEDONISM EXPLAINED? The findings didn't appear to surprise anyone. Our community's tendency for ‘benders' could perhaps be understood as a reaction to the stress we're under, says Gayline's Neil Denney. “There's a lot of pressure on – especially young – gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual people,” he explained. “They're living in a minority and with a marginalised group of people – it makes it more intense for them. Especially with the issue of having to come out every day of their lives to different people. That produces a set of pressures that they relieve on Friday or Saturday night when they're out partying.” Auckland University sociologist Michael Stevens agrees: “What [drugs - Finding you drink/use more than you intended to (on a regular basis); - Needing a morning drink or hit to make you feel better. If you're worried about your own use, the litmus test is to see if you can stop all drug and alcohol use for a couple of weeks. This will give you the ultimate insight into the real role the substances play in your life, advises Rands. Matt Akersten - 3rd July 2007