Big Tobacco’s Impact on LGBTQI Communities LGBTQI are at least 35% more likely to smoke than non-LGBTQI. In the largest and most scientific study to date, LGBTQI people smoke at rates almost 50% to 200% higher than the rest of the population…one of the highest smoking rates of all the affected sub-populations (gender / ethnicity / education / income / disability / nationality / geographic location / age / sexual orientation / gender identity).

Why Does the LGBTQI Community Smoke at Such a High Rate? According to the 2006 LGBTQI Pride Tobacco Survey, some possible explanations include: Anger/Stress Management Bar/Club Culture Targeted Advertising by Tobacco Manufacturers Inadequate Access to Health Care Lack of LGBTQI-Specific Solutions Attitudes of Defiance and Independence

American Cancer Society estimates that over 30,000 LGBTQI people die each year of tobacco-related diseases.

Who’s Most at Risk? LGBTQI adolescents are taking up smoking at an alarming rate – in a recent national study 45% of females and 35% of males reporting same-sex attraction or behavior smoked. In comparison, only 29% of the rest of the youth smoked.

Did You Know??? Tobacco companies offer an unknown amount of financial support to LGBTQI festivals, bars, media, and local organizations.

Case and Point R.J. Reynolds' "Project Scum“ (Subculture Urban Marketing) was a plan to ramp up marketing of Camel cigarettes to "consumer subcultures" in the San Francisco area, specifically to gay people in the Castro district, "rebellious, Generation X" -ers, people of "International influence" and "street people." The report notes that a rationale for this was the higher incidence of smoking and drug use in subpopulations.

Tobacco industry funding often compromises anti- tobacco activities by LGBTQI community organizations. For example, major TV networks refused to air an ad exposing “Project SCUM”. It was hard for GLAAD to fight back, because they were taking tobacco industry money in support of their annual pride gala.

Santa Fe’s annual Pride Parade is co- sponsored by Santa Fe National Tobacco. Did you also know that Santa Fe National Tobacco is owned by RJ Reynolds (2 nd biggest tobacco corporation in the nation).

LGBTQI is an Acknowledged Economic Force

“Big Alcohol” Follows Suit

How does it Look in New Mexico? *Statistically significant difference between LGB and straight people. Sources: 2003 and 2006 NM Adult Tobacco Survey, BRFSS and 2006 LGBT Palm Pilot Survey New Mexico Dept. of Health *2003 *2006 *

How About LGBTQI Youth in NM? Researchers found that lesbian girls ages 12 – 17 were almost 10 times more likely to say they smoke weekly compared to heterosexual girls of the same age. Estimated smoking rates for LGBTQI youth are at least 38%, and up to 59%, compared to at least 28% for other adolescents during a comparable time period.

Common Tobacco Myths in the LGBTQI Community Tobacco use is masculine or butch. Tobacco use makes you sexy. Tobacco use is an effective “social lubricant” at a bar. Using tobacco demonstrates independence or rebellion. Tobacco use is no big deal when compared with AIDS, antigay violence, breast cancer and discrimination. Tobacco use is just part of being gay.

How Can You Help? Raise awareness of the danger of smoking to this community through presentations, flyers, palm cards, magnets and ads. Work to educate youth who are at the highest risk for smoking.

Advocate media literacy to understand advertising strategies Work to eliminate tobacco company sponsorship of Gay Pride events like Pride on the Plaza. Advocate for smoke-free workplaces, homes and cars to protect our community.

Questions? Websites Cited Credits: Phil Lucero – Research, Presentation Fred-Ivo Baca – Presentation Doug Conwell – Consultant