Increasing awareness of the link between alcohol and cancer risks for LGBTQ+ populations in NSW is the focus of a new campaign developed by ACON as part of a hugely successful and ongoing partnership with the Cancer Institute NSW.

Research shows that LGBTQ+ people tend to drink more alcohol than the rest of the population, which puts the community at greater risk of alcohol-related cancers and other health issues.

Be Unapologetic informs LGBTQ+ communities about the links between alcohol and cancer whilst letting the community know that by drinking within the recommended drinking guidelines – no more than 4 standard drinks a day and no more than 10 standard drinks in a week – you can reduce your cancer risk.

Introducing the campaign, ACON Cancer Programs Manager Scott Walsberger said: “Alcohol is a significant part of Australian culture and can be enjoyed. However, there is significant evidence about the risks associated with drinking heavily, with both short and longer-term health impacts. In the research and development of the Be Unapologetic campaign, we were very mindful of supporting informed choices around alcohol consumption while also not being judgemental. Most importantly, we want to educate our communities about the guidelines and encourage them to feel strong in their choices: you don’t need a reason or excuse not to drink.”

Be Unapologetic is a health promotion campaign featuring four LGBTQ+ community members who, in their own voice and style, discuss making choices to lower alcohol consumption. These messages are about being comfortable in your own skin, making healthy choices, and celebrating authenticity.

This inclusive campaign delivers a message about the link between alcohol and cancer risk, increases awareness of the Australian Alcohol Guidelines and uplifts and affirms an unapologetic approach to reducing the consumption of alcohol, or not drinking at all. Four unapologetic community identities are the leading voices in the campaign. They are:

• Benjamin Law (he/him): an Australian author, screenwriter, journalist and community stalwart.
• Kirsty Webeck (she/her): a comedian, actor, MC, podcaster, and self-described ‘really good friend’.
• Kelly (Lovemonster) Dezart-Smith (they/them): a queer dance party curator, creative producer, and writer.
• Rudy Jean Rigg (they/them): a passionate queer rainbow champion and one-half of the Rainbow History Class podcast.

“The Be Unapologetic campaign raises awareness of the link between alcohol intake and eight types of cancer,” Walsberger added. “We know that our communities drink at higher rates for a range of complex reasons. ACON is proud to be working with four amazing and diverse people from our communities to use their individual and authentic voices to provide non-judgemental, supportive messages about choice. As with every campaign we produce, we centre our communities’ lives and experience while being firmly evidence-based – in the interests of better health outcomes.”

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and Chief Executive Officer of the Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien AM, said: “Among other health harms, alcohol is proven to cause eight different types of cancer, including liver, stomach, bowel and breast cancers.”

“By working in partnership with respected LGBTQ+ community organisation ACON and influential members of the LGBTQ+ community, we hope more people will better understand the serious health impacts of drinking alcohol.

“Habits can be hard to break, particularly those that are part of our shared social rituals. But everyone can protect their future and reduce their risk of cancer by changing their drinking habits.”

Be Unapologetic will loom unapologetically large in NSW and be featured on outdoor bus shelters and posters and across print, digital, and social media channels. The campaign aims to reach as many LGBTQ+ community members aged between 30 and 59 years who currently drink as possible in NSW.

For more information about Be Unapologetic and reducing your cancer risk, visit canwe.org.au.

ENDS

For more information please contact: David Alexander, ACON Media and Communications

E: dalexander@acon.org.au   T: +61 (02) 9206 2044   M: +61 (0)428 477 042