11 Feb 2026
I was saddened to read last week that new data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals stark disparities in causes of death among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB+) adults.
By linking 2021 Census data with death registrations between March 2021 and November 2024, the analysis shows significantly higher rates of suicide, drug poisoning, and alcohol-related deaths among sexual minority adults compared with their heterosexual peers.
As we mark LGBTQ+ History Month, these findings are a powerful reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities and why organisations like ours must remain responsive, supportive and inclusive. At Forward, ensuring our services are accessible to a broad range of minoritised groups is a key strategic priority, and this data reinforces the importance of continuing and strengthening that work.
LGB+ adults were almost three times as likely to die from drug poisoning and nearly twice as likely to die from alcohol-related causes compared with heterosexual adults.
Suicide was the leading cause of death among younger LGB+ adults and occurred at disproportionately higher rates than among heterosexual peers.
Gender differences were evident: LGB+ women faced a 3.5 times higher risk of drug-related death, while LGB+ men had a 1.8 times higher risk of alcohol-related death compared with their straight counterparts.
Discrimination and barriers to accessing support contribute significantly to the disparities in mental health and substance use outcomes for LGBTQ+ people. Research shows that sexual minority groups often face stigma in healthcare, lack culturally competent support, and may feel unsafe seeking help, all of which can increase vulnerability to addiction and mental health crises. These challenges are further amplified by an increasingly hostile socio-political environment, including online harassment and restrictive legislation.
Darren Lacey, Inclusion Coordinator at Forward, says:
"Many LGBTQ+ people have faced discrimination when asking for, or needing, healthcare support. From personal experience, being told to "go to the chapel to pray" when an A&E nurse found out I was gay, to that of clients, a trans male client receiving some pretty horrendous transphobic comments from a Clinical Psychologist.
"It's little wonder LGBTQ+ people can retreat into themselves and their comfort zones, which can often be substances. Here at Forward, we are proud to support the LGBTQ+ community, from wearing rainbow lanyards to dedicated LGBTQ+ pathways and support. One of the biggest things we can do is build trust within the community. Part of this is by attending Pride events up and down the country. But we are here 365 days of the year, not just Pride month. We offer all-round, holistic support."
At Forward, we are committed to providing inclusive, affirming support for LGBTQ+ clients and have embedded a range of practical initiatives across our services, which include:
Our online LGBTQ+ Peer Support Group: this group provides a safe space for clients from the LGBTQ+ community to connect and share experiences.
New Online Peer Support Group for Trans, Non-Binary, and Gender Non-Conforming clients launched in November 2025.
New Chemsex Pathway: targeted support for clients engaging in chemsex. While chemsex does not exclusively affect LGBTQ+ communities, research and frontline experience show that LGB+ clients - particularly gay and bisexual men - are disproportionately impacted. This is why targeted support pathways are valuable.
Regular training and lunch-and-learn sessions on LGBTQ+ inclusion to upskill staff: covering a range of topics, including gender identity and expression, pronouns, chemsex, and LGBTQ+ addiction rates.
Rainbow lanyards worn by many frontline staff: a visible sign of inclusion and support for LGBTQ+ clients.
Increased presence at Pride events in London, Hull, and Kent, demonstrating our support for LGBTQ+ communities and raising awareness of our services.
Working in partnership with other LGBTQ+ organisations, including TransSober, to strengthen support networks and ensure our services meet the needs of our LGBTQ+ clients.
Collecting feedback from LGBTQ+ clients to inform service design, ensure accessibility and continuously improve support.
LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group (ERG) and celebration of key dates: our LGBTQ+ ERG (Proud) promotes LGBTQ+ inclusion within the workplace, celebrating events such as Pride Month and LGBTQ+ History Month.
These services and initiatives are part of our ongoing work to ensure that all clients feel seen, supported and able to access the services they need.
These findings are a stark reminder that organisations like ours must actively reduce barriers and create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ clients and other minoritised groups. Through inclusive services, tailored support and a commitment to equity, we aim to improve wellbeing and outcomes for LGBTQ+ clients across all areas of our work.
If you have any questions or would like to access any of the support mentioned above, please contact us at lgbtq@forwardtrust.org.uk
