Gay people drink 16 percent more than straight people.

According to the study that yielded this stat, 75 percent of gays and lesbians were described as "current drinkers," as compared to 68 percent of bisexuals and 59 percent of heterosexuals. And lesbians out-drink gay men: "Women who have sex with women reported significantly higher rates of alcohol consumption," the researchers write. This finding is confirmed by other studies, such as one coauthored by Sharon Wilsnack. "Historically, so much gay drinking went on in gay bars because there was virtually nowhere else where gays could socialize," Wilsnack says. "Although that has changed, they still face the chronic stress of being a marginalized group, and one thing alcohol's pretty good at, at least temporarily, is reducing stress."

Laurie Drabble, et al. (2005): Reports of alcohol use and alcohol-related problems for bisexual and homosexual respondents: Results of the Year 2000 National Alcohol Survey. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 66 (1), 111-120