Quitting is an Act of Self-Love

A guide to helping you reimagine a tobacco-free future.

Outlast Tobacco

We understand that quitting tobacco is one of the hardest things you can do. We’re not here to judge. Here are some supportive tools to help you take the first step.

Resources

In 2022, we unveiled Outlast Tobacco 1.0. The webinar featured a walk-through of the original version of the site and an all-queer panel discussion with tobacco cessation experts and advocates.

If you want advice or support on quitting, including nicotine replacement therapy, mental/emotional support, and pharmacological therapies, call the Quitline by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW or text QUITNOW to 333888 for guidance.

This video shows how quit coaches can help those wanting to quit tobacco manage their cravings and avoid their triggers.

Angie P shares recovery story from using menthol cigarettes to cope with feelings of hurt or anger as it related to her queer identity to ending her alcohol, substance use, and tobacco addiction using medication and cessation counseling.

The National Texting Portal connects adults who are ready to quit smoking in the United States with mobile text message-based support to help them quit smoking. The texting portal offers encouragement, advice and tips for becoming smoke free and living a healthier life.

The EX Program by Truth Initiative is a free program that offers evidence-based quitting approaches and the most established online quit community to help you quit smoking, vaping, and nicotine use. Developed in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center, EX has helped over 900,000 tobacco users develop a customized quit plan.

quitSTART is a free app made for people who want to quit smoking. The app takes the information you provide about your smoking history and gives you tailored tips, inspiration, and challenges to help you become smoke free and live a healthier life.

How We Get Our Power Back

Tobacco takes a toll on our bodies, but our bodies can do all sorts of amazing things, including heal. Quitting tobacco can immediately have a positive effect on your physical and mental health.

Sources

20 Minutes

As soon as 20 minutes after you quit smoking, your blood pressure and heart rate begin to normalize.

8 Hours

Within 8 hours, your carbon monoxide and oxygen levels begin to normalize.

48 Hours

Within 48 Hours, your sense of smell and taste start to come back to you!

2 Weeks - 3 Months

In 2 weeks to 3 months, your breathing and circulation improve.

1 Month

Within a month, you’ll notice your skin and nails look and feel healthier.

1 - 12 Months

In 1 to 12 months, coughing and shortness of breath decrease!

5 - 10 Years

Within 5 to 10 years of quitting, your risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, and voice box (larynx) is cut in half. Your stroke risk decreases.

15 Years

After 15 years of quitting, your risk of coronary heart disease is close to that of a non-smoker.

Queer Tips From Former Smokers

Quitting tobacco is possible. Hear from real queer people who have quit and the reasons why they were able to quit.

Rewriting The Narrative

Big tobacco has crafted its narrative about our communities for decades. Now, we’re reclaiming our narrative and creating a better world where queer folks can live the long, healthy, and joyous lives we deserve. Below are some of our ideas of what this new world can look like, but we need your help reimagining what our queer future can be.

Community

We have the power to create safe and healthy communities free of discrimination and tobacco.

Healthcare

We deserve access to affordable and welcoming healthcare.

Queer Elders

We deserve to live long and healthy lives.

You

You are loved by us and we are so happy you exist. This reimagining will take all of us. Take a minute to close your eyes and help us reimagine the queer future we can have.

We have the power to create our own future. No one gets to take this power away from us – not the tobacco industry, not politicians, no one. Quitting tobacco is one of the best decisions you could make for your community, your body, and your mental health.