Around 3.8 % of the U.S.
population is either lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT), according to a Williams Institute report. While more and more people are openly accepting of LGBT people, they still face many challenges, and their high smoking rate is a big sign of the issues that still persist. Action must be taken at the federal, state and local levels to help reduce tobacco use overall, including among the LGBTQ+ community.
Lee JG, Griffin GK and Melvin CL. Tobacco use among sexual minorities in the USA, 1987 to May 2007: A systematic review. If you’re age 50 or older with a history of smoking, you should also ask your health care provider about routine lung cancer screening.
Beyond making lifestyle changes, it’s important to be a supporter for those in your life who need it.
We support the permanent removal of flavored tobacco unless a manufacturer can demonstrate: 1) that a particular flavor helps current tobacco users switch completely to a substantially less hazardous product; 2) it will not lead non-tobacco users, such as youth, to initiate tobacco use; and 3) the flavor itself does not increase the risk of harm from using the product.
The reasons for this are complex, but it undoubtedly represents an area where anti-smoking public health messages, support and quitting advice are particularly important.
Smoking and LGBT People: The Statistics
The CDC reports that 20.6 % of lesbian, gay and bisexual people were current smokers in 2015, compared to 14.9 % of straight people.
In other words, while we don’t have clear evidence, it’s safe to assume that trans people have a bigger issue with smoking than the general population too.
Smoking Cessation and LGBT People
Unfortunately for the problems with smoking and LGBT people, it appears that LGBT individuals are also less likely to quit smoking than non-LGBT people.
Peer pressure, combined with the bar culture common in LGBT communities, also contributes to higher smoking rates. Similarly, gay, bisexual and transgender men are less likely to be aware of the existence of such quitlines than straight men.
Another factor is that LGBT individuals are less likely to have health insurance than non-LGBT individuals.
Be that friend and encourage the people in your life to get the screenings they need.
Finally, if you’re seeing predatory practices from the tobacco industry, call them out by calling your representatives, posting on social media or getting involved with anti-tobacco advocacy groups. This wouldn’t necessarily stop LGBT individuals from attempting to quit smoking, but makes it more difficult to access cessation medications and interventions like counseling.
Why Do LGBT People Smoke More than Non-LGBT People?
The connection between smoking and LGBT people might seem puzzling, but ultimately it comes down to the stress and stigma individuals may face.
These environments can encourage higher rates of drinking alcohol (also linked to cancer) and smoking.
Advertising
Tobacco companies have long targeted advertisements to the LGBTQ+ community. 2009;18:275-282.
3. LGB female youth had 2X the odds of multiple tobacco product use compared to their heterosexual peers. Lesbian and gay youth who used tobacco reported more frequent use of tobacco products than heterosexual students.