LGBTQ state policies: A lever for reducing SGM youth substance use and bullying. (1st April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Watson, Ryan J.; Fish, Jessica N.; Denary, Whitney; Caba, Antonia; Cunningham, Casey; Eaton, Lisa A.
• Is Part Of: Drug and alcohol dependence. Volume 221(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-04-01
• Subjects: LGBTQ lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer -- SGMY sexual and gender minority youth -- SOGI sexual orientation and gender identity -- HRC Human Rights Campaign; Structural environment -- Policies -- LGBTQ -- Binge drinking -- Substance use; Drug abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; 616.86
• DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108659
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0376-8716

Abstract

Highlights: Inclusive LGBTQ policies were associated with reduced bullying and cigarette use. Inclusive LGBTQ policies were related to more binge drinking among SGM youth. Protective policies reduce some but not all health inequities for SGM youth. Abstract: Purpose: Sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) are more likely than their cisgender and heterosexual peers to use substances and to be bullied, yet it is unknown whether the absence/presence of youth- and LGBTQ-specific equity laws drive these disparities. The purpose of this study was to extend previous research focused on adult- and LGBTQ-specific structural factors (e.g., same-sex marriage laws) to determine whether the youths' structural environment (i.e., state-level LGBTQ youth-focused equity laws) was associated with bullying and recent alcohol use, binge drinking, and cigarette use among SGMY. Procedures: We utilized data from the LGBTQ National Teen Survey, collected in 2017 ( N = 8, 841 sexual and gender minority youth). Linear regression analyses examined the association between bullying and substance use and between state-level LGBTQ youth-focused equity laws (individually and as a composite variable) and bullying and substance use. Findings: SGMY living in states with LGBTQ equity laws were less likely to experience bullying. Findings regarding the relation between LGBTQ equity laws and substance use were mixed, such that LGBTQ equity laws were associated with a higher likelihood of binge drinking and alcohol use, and a lower likelihood of cigarette use. Conclusions: Findings highlight the role of state-level equity laws in reducing bullying and substance use disparities for SGMY. Yet, given the finding that equity laws were associated with a higher likelihood of binge drinking, it is important to continue to explore how the structural environment shapes SGMY health.