Out Proud Free

Commercial tobacco products hurt LGBTQIA+ communities in countless ways.

For LGBTQIA+ folks and so many others, tobacco is a social justice issue.

Tobacco’s Targeted Marketing of our Community

Due to heavy marketing from the tobacco industry, our smoking rate is higher than the general population, and LGBTQ+ people of color experience even higher rates. Menthol tobacco products have been heavily marketed in low-income, people of color, and LGBTQ+ communities. Stress, discrimination, and a lack of access to competent healthcare play a big role in keeping us hooked to these products.

People who identify as bisexual are 2 times more likely to start smoking or be current smokers.
LGBTQ+ people are 3 times more likely to be exposed to tobacco coupon messages on video streaming websites such as Hulu.
35.5% of transgender people are current smokers.
In one year, LGBTQ+ communities spent more than 12 times as much on cigarettes than was donated to all LGBTQ+ causes combined

Transgender people who are uninsured are 4 times more likely to smoke

1 in 4 LGBTQIA+ youth are getting addicted to nicotine by vaping

40% of LGBQTIA+ youth used commercial tobacco in the last year

97% of youth who vape are vaping with flavors including menthol

Youth who had ever used an electronic cigarette were 5 times more likely to be diagnosed with COVID-19

Black transgender youth are 6 times more likely to vape than black cis youth.

Asian transgender youth are 3.5 times more likely to vape than asian cis youth.

Those with minority identities that experience a combination of homophobia, transphobia, racism, and other forms of discrimination are more likely to have higher rates of tobacco use.

Health Effects

Brain

Brains don’t finish developing until the mid-20s and nicotine can disrupt that development by reducing impulse control and learning It also increases the risk of nicotine addiction and mood disorders.

Lungs

We put our lungs through a lot and it’s important to take care of them. When we smoke at younger ages, we decrease our lung growth and function. This can affect us in adulthood and throughout life.