Sober curiosity among LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people in Aotearoa New Zealand

BackgroundAlthough global drinking rates are declining, this trend is less evident among women, with LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary people at elevated risk for hazardous drinking. In addition to minority stress (e.g., stigma, discrimination), drinking culture and social norms likely shape alcohol use within these groups, yet remain underexplored as potential intervention points.ObjectiveThis study was part of a larger multi-country project on alcohol use among LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary individuals. Because online resources have been found to appeal to stigmatized groups, we aimed to examine LGBTQ+ women's and nonbinary people's experiences with alcohol use in Aotearoa New Zealand, identify barriers and facilitators to reducing drinking, and explore their views on features of online interventions that may be acceptable and effective.Design &; MethodsFrom July to October 2024, we conducted a web-based study using survey methods with LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary participants in Aotearoa New Zealand who drank alcohol at least once a week on average in the past six months.ResultsParticipants (N = 108; ages 18-69, M = 34, SD = 13) primarily identified as cisgender women (88%), lesbian (60%), and New Zealand European (56.5%). Many had attempted to cut back on their alcohol use, motivated primarily by health, harm reduction, and cost. Support for reducing alcohol consumption included social support, social alternatives to bars and clubs, and No or Lo alcohol beverage options. Open text responses suggested that online interventions were seen as potentially valuable if they focused on health and wellness rather than pathology and abstinence.ConclusionAffirming health-focused online interventions tailored for LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary people in New Zealand that center sober-curious empowerment, may help reduce harmful alcohol use.