Pride Month and Problem Gambling

National Month of Pride 

June is Pride Month to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. Many cities around the world have parades and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. Participants dress in every color of the rainbow to symbolize the Pride Flag and take to the streets to show their support for the gay community. Other events during pride month include concerts, parties, workshops, and learning opportunities. 

The History of Pride Month

Pride month commemorates the Stonewall Uprising of June 1969. This uprising was one of the turning points for gay rights in the United States. The Stonewall riots began with the violent police raid on a Manhattan gay club called the Stonewall Inn. Protests lasted several days after the police raid. On the anniversary of the riots one year later, thousands marched for gay rights in the first New York City Pride March. President Clinton issued the first “Gay and Lesbian Pride Month” proclamation in 1999.

Problem Gambling and Sexual Orientation

While there is limited research on the correlation between problem gambling and sexual orientation, there is research that examines the relationship of sexual orientation to psychiatric disorders by examining the sexual orientation of men struggling with problem gambling. According to this study, there is a more frequent acknowledgment of impulse control disorders and other psychiatric disorders observed in gay and bisexual men compared with heterosexual men with problem gambling. In addition, gay and bisexual men appear to suffer from substance use disorders at 2 to 3 times the rate found in the general population. These findings suggest that gay men represent a high-risk group for various psychiatric illnesses, particularly addictive disorders such as problem gambling. 

Reaching Out For Support 

If you or someone you love is struggling with problem gambling, it can be hard to come to terms with the addiction and ask for help. There is help and resources available. The Problem Gambling Resource Centers are willing to assist you in achieving your goals and living the best life you possibly can. You can find help in NYS at NYProblemGamblingHELP.org. There, you will be connected to a live person to discuss support the caller’s looking for. These people  are here to help.

Sources:

https://www.globesmart.com/blog/celebrating-lgbt-pride-around-the-world-things-to-know/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1807268/