Booze, grog, goon, shots! Mixing in the LGBTQ+ scene, sometimes it can seem like alcohol is our community’s lifeblood.

But in the eternal words of the icon Stacie Orrico: There’s gotta be more to life. 👀

There are plenty of ways to enjoy a night out – and sometimes, having fewer drinks can change the vibe in surprising ways.

 

1. More authentic connections 🤗

Many revolve around alcohol. And sometimes you can create genuine connections and deep conversations while using alcohol.

However, it’s not always necessary to drink to connect with people on that level!

Drinking less can allow space for conversations of substance (no, not the drug fueled type 😂) Try having a chat with someone and keep up the fun with less alcohol, or none at all!

Your personality without alcohol is just as interesting, which brings us to the next point:

 

2. Increased confidence in social spaces🗣️

Finding your way in queer spaces without leaning on alcohol can feel like a challenge – but it’s possible. Better yet, it often builds serious self-confidence. ✨

You can build or bring that self-confidence to the art of convo by:

• Handling awkward moments instead of creating them
• Trusting your instincts without liquid courage

Showing up as your full self is powerful. 💪

 

3. Better mental health 🧠

Some of us in the LGBTQ+ community deal with higher rates of anxiety, depression, or trauma. The tea is, alcohol is a depressant and can make those feelings worse.

Of course, booze can help you relax a bit. But don’t let it amplify any bad moods. Drinking less can mean a clearer mind, more stable moods, and a stronger emotional balance. 💖

 

4. Improved sleep quality 😴

Alcohol can throw your sleep out of whack. Even just a couple of drinks can mess with REM sleep (that deep, dream-filled stage your brain loves). It often gets delayed or cut short, and the more you drink, the bigger the impact.

That’s why you might crash quickly after drinking but still wake up feeling foggy or unrested.

The reality is, the less we drink, the more likely we’ll wake up feeling brand new! ☀️

5. Looking after your health

There is no completely safe level of alcohol-use when it comes in cancer development, and this goes for any type of alcohol you drink.

The good news is that sticking to the alcohol guidelines can keep your risk of alcohol-related cancer down to around 3%!

The lower your level of drinking, the lower your risk.

 

6. More energy & motivation 🏋️

Time waits for no one, and when you’re hungover, it certainly doesn’t wait for you. Without a hangover, however? The opportunities are endless. 💫

Axe throwing! Cooking class! Joining that sapphic picnic or that Barry’s class you’ve been MIA for. Or simply not showing up to your date feeling like 💩.

7. Financial Freedom 💸

Okay so you wanna shout a round of drinks for your friends. In this economy?? The drinks can really add up fast!

Cutting back can mean more money for activities, travel, savings, or donating to a cause that means the world to you. 🌈

8. Partying on your own terms 🏳️‍🌈

Babe, you can still dance, laugh, date, and party without alcohol, or just a little less. There are other fulfilling ways to enjoy life. In Sydney? Check out what’s going on in the LGBTQ+ sphere!

Need pointers on how to drink less on a night out, while still having a ball? Check out our tips and tricks in this blog!

 

Cutting back on drinking doesn’t mean less queer joy – it can mean more of it, on your own terms. We’re not asking you to go sober (unless you wanna!).

Check Be Unapologetic for more information on alcohol and cancer risk.

 

For more information, check out:

Between the lines – ACON’s guide to community harm reduction

The NSW Users and AIDS Association (NUAA) is a peer-based drug user organisation, offering strategies for harm reduction and current issues relating to drug use in Australia. 

Alcohol: reducing the risk – Alcohol and Drug Foundation (adf.org.au) 

What is a standard drink? – Alcohol and Drug Foundation (adf.org.au) 

Or call: 

• Alcohol Drug Information Service (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) on 1800 250 015. 

• Q Life: 1800 184 527 

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 

• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467