Including LGBT in Your Tobacco Control Efforts National Conference on Tobacco or Health, Minneapolis, MN - October 24-26, 2007 Loretta Worthington, Los Angeles County Tobacco Control and Prevention Programs Kitty Jerome, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Some Statistics CDC statistics show 35% to 50% of gay men smoke CDC statistics show that 25% to 40% of lesbians smoke CDC Statistics show that 38% to 59% of LGB youth smoke There have been 12 published studies on tobacco use among LGB (eight adult, four youth)

Initial Steps Identify the target population Identify sources of information Identify possible resources Identify venues to contact target population

Identifying the Gay & Lesbian Community Will the outreach include men and women? Will the outreach include the bisexual or transgender communities? Where will you find these individuals? Is there a way to identify this population outside of LGBT bars/clubs/events?

Identify Sources of Information Does your city/county have any collected data on the LGBT community? Are there any LGBT community centers in your area? Are there any agencies that already do outreach to this community?

Identify Resources Think “out of the box”! Is there an LGBT individual who has lived in your area for a long time? Is there a bar/club owned by someone interested in the health of the community? Is there an LGBT-friendly faith institution in your area? Is there an LGBT Student Resource Center at the local college?

Stressors Unique to LGB “Coming Out” – a process of allowing themselves and/or others to discover who they really are Internal/External Homophobia – strong negative feelings about one’s own sexual identity, and societies negative view of homosexuality Religious teachings condemning homosexual behavior may create deep shame and self-loathing. LGBT are often condemned, not for what they do or what they believe, but simply for who they are

Identify Venues Special Events Bars/Clubs Restaurants Faith Institutions Colleges Community/Social Service Agencies Clinics/Testing Sites/Health Centers Recreational Organizations Health Clubs LGBT Retail Outlets (i.e. bookstore)

Building Trust, Building Partnerships Ask many times (and prepare to hear “No” at first) Offer resources to support LGBT Attend meetings, events Be proactive Seek collaborative opportunities Bring a policy lens to the groups: “We can change this”

Strategy #1 – Community-Based Approach Include a variety of organizations representing as many diverse communities as are in your area.

Strategy #2 – Environmental Approach Work with agencies and special event organizers to encourage the adoption of written anti-tobacco policies, refusing tobacco company donations and “free” gifts

Strategy #3 – Alternative Events Be involved in as many community events as possible, providing a smoke-free area Work with the LGBT special events such as Pride Festivals, to provide a fun-filled area that is completely tobacco free Develop annual events that specifically include the LGBT community for outreach, as well as entertainment; the community will begin to expect these as part of your work

Strategy #4 – Information Dissemination Through events, conferences, and speaking engagements, collect and disseminate a variety of information regarding the issue of tobacco use in the LGBT community to other agencies, coalitions, professionals, and individual community members.

Include Media Messages Another way to combat tobacco use is to produce counter ads to the ones the tobacco industries use to target the LGBT community

Big Tobacco Targeting Another contributing factor is the way the LGBT community is targeted by the tobacco industry: The industry has been successful in reaching a community known to be very brand-loyal and supportive of products or services that advertise in the gay press. Solution: Help seek alternate funding for LGBT groups and events.

Recommendations Use a community-based approach to get others involved Develop relationships with bar/club owners, special event organizers, and non-profits to advocate for ethical funding policies Fun, tobacco-free events are a great way to outreach and make friends in the community Provide information to the community on the high prevalence of tobacco use in the LGBT community Create social norms marketing highlighting the fact that still, the majority of LGBT do not smoke

Remember: You Are Not Alone! Reach out to National Resources: National LGBT Network: National Coalition for LGBT Health: National Association of LGBT Community Centers: Gay Data: Gay Lesbian Medical Association: Mautner Project: