Not the Bar Type, Now What…
As if we didn’t have enough challenges to face, being expats, these challenges are increased, specifically by isolation from “our people”. Here at InterNations, we are working together to help each other cope with that isolation.
In this article we’ll take a look at how substance abuse can further complicate the challenges before us as expat LGBT folks.
First off, not-drinking is not only a challenge for those expats who struggle with substance abuse. Maybe you simply don’t care to drink (or use drugs) but that might quickly put you at a huge disadvantage in your work environment. It’s double jeopardy, you might say.
Many of you are expected to wine and dine with clients and new business partners and the pressure to go out ‘hopping’ the bar scene after work is just as high. Of course, LGBT expats who are trying to cope with substance abuse problems feel the pressure even more.
The question is, how can we navigate this, how can we live with this pressure and not end up turning to some form of destructive behavior?
The statistics are not comforting, folks. Expats are 2.5 times more likely to suffer anxiety and depression and are therefore at a higher risk for substance abuse. Add in our LGBT status while being a part of the expat community and it doesn’t take a math wizard to see what we are up against.
And did I mention the shame? Here again, we have all wrestled with that particular demon being LGBT. The acceptance of who we are being anywhere from maybe OK, and in a legal grey area or even downright morally and legally forbidden. Now let’s factor in any other shame-based issue, say mental health or substance abuse and, whew, what’s a person to do? Pretend, act as if, bury it, shove it away — all strategies to guarantee more isolation.Let’s take a look at the options available to us instead! LGBT expats dealing with a substance abuse problem should find support in the LGBT Online Intergroup: Alcoholics Anonymous.
Another way to recover, help your community, and get in touch with other people who might have had similar experiences as you is to become a youth group mentor, for instance. The IGLYO | International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Youth and Student Organization is always looking for adult mentors.
The point of these articles is always to work hard to make resources available wherever you are, no matter the country or its laws.
We have and will continue to encourage you to reach out to us, to share your experiences and stories. Yet at the same time we understand that even that may not be safe enough. We are going to try to include several online support groups here for you and your loved ones.
Again, please continue to let us know what you need and are looking for. This month we have received over a dozen inquiries. We are very excited by this and consider ourselves well-launched! Yeah Expat LGBT!
Marcia Diane spends her time writing poetry, short stories, and mentoring others in journal writing groups and online writing groups in Puerto Viejo, MX. Oh and watching the sea rise and fall outside her front door. Before that she ran a therapeutic horse riding program in Petaluma, CA. Afterwards she became a Death Penalty Mitigation Specialist, and a bunch of more ordinary stuff in between. In her sixty nine years on planet earth she has moved thirty seven times and thus is she well suited to be a permanent migrant.
