The disproportionate effects of tobacco on the LGBTQIA+ community are well documented. About 1 in 6 (15.3%) of lesbian, gay and bisexual adults smoke cigarettes, compared with about 1 in 9 (11.4%) of heterosexual/straight adults according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report on adult tobacco use.
This month, Tobacco Free Lancaster County (tobaccofreelancastercounty.com) is celebrating the resilience of this community and their commitment to living tobacco free. Their mission to promote health by eliminating the use of and exposure to tobacco and e-cigarette products includes working with the LGBTQIA+ community through collaborations with organizations such as OutNebraska, outreach events including the Pride Festival, Pride Parade, Youth Pride, Pride Film Festival etc., and educational social media posts and newsletters. This is in line with their vision to see tobacco and e-cigarette free communities in Lincoln and Lancaster County.
Their hope is that more members of the community continue to build resilience against the tobacco industry’s targeted marketing, access available resources to quit tobacco and live tobacco free with improvement in their quality of life, physically and mentally.
If you are a member of the LGBTQIA+ who is looking to quit tobacco or have a loved one in the community who needs support doing so, please do not hesitate to take advantage of the supportive coaches who are available 24/7 through the Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW) to provide professional, non-judgmental, support free of charge.
Funding provided by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services/Tobacco Free Nebraska Program as a result of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement. For more information about Tobacco Free Lancaster County, go to tobaccofreelancastercounty.com.