Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer people are more likely to smoke than their straight or cisgender counterparts. And, the addiction begins early as LGBTQ youth are nearly twice as likely to be addicted to tobacco compared with young people who are not in the LGBTQ community. This disparity is in part due to aggressive tobacco industry marketing, and in part the result of the inequalities and stressors that are foisted upon minority communities
Tobacco companies have a well-documented history of supporting LGBTQ community organizations and events for self-serving profit. The health care inequities caused by pernicious marketing can be spoken about with statistics: increased illness, disability, and mortality among our LGBTQ compatriots. But the stories of real people maybe speak most clearly. Take a moment to connect with Brian.
There are a number of resources that are developed to specifically support lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people who use tobacco. One excellent source of good information and support is available at the LGBT Cancer Network. Another is right here on EX. I think all of us in the EX community should take pride on being such a welcoming space for any and all who want to build a tobacco free life.
Michael V. Burke, Ed.D
Program Director and NDC Counselor/ CTTS
