At this year’s ‘Bourne Free’ pride festival held in Bournemouth, Dr. Reece Bush-Evans, a psychology lecturer from Bournemouth University, shed light on his research into the effects of gambling within LGBTQ+ communities and the underlying reasons that drive some individuals to engage in gambling.
Research Focus
Dr. Bush-Evans, in collaboration with organizations like Ygam and the Gordon Moody Association, delved into the complex world of gambling among LGBTQ+ individuals. Their goal was to understand the dynamics, identify potential issues, and offer support where needed.
Coping Mechanism and Concealing Sexuality
Initial findings from the study revealed two significant themes. First, gambling can serve as a coping mechanism for some LGBTQ+ individuals. The challenges they face, such as harassment, discrimination, and social isolation, may trigger a reliance on gambling as a way to deal with life stressors. Second, some LGBTQ+ individuals turn to gambling to conceal their sexuality. It becomes a means to divert attention from their identity, albeit temporarily.
Online Gambling and Safe Spaces
The research also highlighted the preference for online gambling among LGBTQ+ individuals. Many find physical gambling establishments intimidating, making online platforms a more comfortable and accessible option. This shift to online gambling reflects the need for safe and inclusive spaces within the gambling community.
Dr. Bush-Evans’ Perspective
Dr. Bush-Evans expressed the importance of recognizing that while gambling can be a source of entertainment for many, there is a significant minority within the LGBTQ+ community vulnerable to gambling-related harms. He emphasized the need to engage with the LGBTQ+ community directly to better understand their experiences with gambling and to offer assistance where necessary.
In conclusion, Dr. Reece Bush-Evans’s research at the ‘Bourne Free’ pride festival shed light on the impact of gambling within LGBTQ+ communities. It highlighted how some individuals turn to gambling as a coping mechanism or a way to conceal their sexuality. The preference for online gambling also surfaced as a means to create a more inclusive and less intimidating environment. The study serves as a vital step in addressing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the realm of gambling.