Agency and queer solidarity: Help-seeking for alcohol and nicotine issues among lesbian, bisexual and queer women and non-binary people

Some LBQ participants did not seek help despite a clear need, while others only did so in crisis. LBQ peer support provided empathy but also reciprocity through a system of care that was queer-informed. Healthcare providers should cultivate an understanding of LBQ substance use and care cultures and integrate peer support frameworks. They should ask directly about substance use in clinical interactions, particularly in primary care, mental healthcare and sexual healthcare contexts to enable an integration of responses to all these intersecting issues. Demonstrating LBQ inclusivity and fostering environments that support autonomy and self-efficacy are critical for improving help-seeking behaviours.