Once again, as the recession takes its toll, we see that the GLBT community is like all other communities.   We’re getting laid off, and getting depressed about it.   Our non-profits are taking a whack.   Our businesses are hanging on for dear life. Student loans are harder to pay back. 401ks have fallen, and they can’t get up.

And…

Alcohol consumption – is down.
Home consumption of alcohol was down 9.3% in 2008. Beer led the way with a 14% drop, while wine and spirits were off 1.6% and 0.8% respectively. I guess if you’re a Ford factory worker drinking beer, you’re more worried about your job than the Ford executive getting bonuses and drinking Macallan Single Malt Scotch.

This trend is also being seen in Ireland, where the Irish Times reports that alcohol consumption was down 5.9% in 2008.

Chocolate consumption – is up.
Chocolate sales in the U.S. reached $16 billion in 2006, and are expected to top $18 billion by 2011. Cadbury reported a 30% increase in profits for 2008.

Makes sense to me. When you’re feeling stressed, or just trying to watch your cash, what better way to splurge than on a 50 cent Snickers bar? Or perhaps you’ll give up going out for dinner, but maybe you’ll treat yourself to some Ghirardelli dark chocolate for dessert. Studies show dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants, after all.

On the flip side: In London, doctors are pressing the British government to add a “fat tax” on chocolate, saying it’s one of the leading causes of obesity and type 2 diabetes in the U.K.

Movie Attendance – is booming.
“What’s doing well?” says the 538 Blog. ” The movies. The movies, also historically a recession-proof industry but not a counter-cyclical one, are doing terrifically well. Motion picture theaters increased their revenues by 10.9 percent in the fourth quarter, according to the Commerce Department. But the movies are not typically seen as extravagant. You don’t feel guilty after purchasing a movie ticket; you feel kind of wholesome.”

Gambling – is down.
The Journal of the North America Gambling Industry reports that in 2007 $92.7 billion was spent on gambling – before “the crash.”

Gambling of all types was way down in 2008, with casinos being hit the hardest. The impact was devastating.

For example, in Las Vegas “air traffic down 13.2% in September 08; room rates down by double digits week in week out; casino stocks off 40% to 90% from their twelve month highs; a negative outlook from Moody’s and other rating agencies; layoffs at properties all over town (and around the world) except Steve Wynn’s; new condominium towers standing empty, vertical ghost towns; business at the Strip’s storied or notorious night clubs off 20% to 25% and ‘œwait until December’ when club owners expect things to get really bad. Gross gaming revenue, the engine that built Las Vegas, was down 8.1% in August, 5.4% in September and no relief in sight. ”

Lottery ticket sales fell 2.8%.

Newsday reports a 5% increase in calls to national gambling hotlines in 2008.

Eco-Trends are the way of the future.
Regardless of how tight money’s been for consumer’s, there’s an every-increasing “green” awareness that is and will continue to grow.

People are willing to pay a little more to stay green. But not too much more right now.

How has the recession affected your life?