LGBT+ people nearly three times as likely to die of drug poisoning, figures show

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"Gay, trans and non-binary people are nearly three times as likely as straight people to die of drug poisoning with their risk of alcohol-related death nearly two times higher, suggests official figures. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has for the first time analysed differences over three years in causes of death among adults by sexual orientation in England and Wales. The head of a mental-health charity for LGBT+ people said he was not surprised by the findings because depression rates were much higher"

The Independent covers reproductive rights, climate change and Big Tech, investigates political funding like Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC, produces documentaries such as 'The A Word', and relies on donations to fund reporters while avoiding paywalls. Official figures show gay, trans and non-binary adults are nearly three times more likely than straight adults to die of drug poisoning and almost twice as likely to die from alcohol-related causes. The Office for National Statistics analysed causes of death by sexual orientation over three years in England and Wales. Higher depression rates and societal prejudice increase substance misuse risks among LGBT+ people, with homelessness, legal conversion therapy, homophobia and transphobia cited as factors. Surveys report 52 percent experienced depression.

Read at www.independent.co.uk