The LGBT community faces numerous challenges, including a hidden health crisis: high rates of tobacco use. Research shows LGBT individuals smoke more than their straight counterparts. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults smoke cigarettes and use e-cigarettes and little cigars at nearly double the rates of straight adults. For transgender youth, the numbers are even worse: they smoke cigarettes four times more and use e-cigarettes three times more than cisgender peers. A big reason for these high rates is targeted marketing by Big Tobacco. According to the CDC, use of any commercial tobacco product was higher among lesbian, gay, or bisexual adults, compared to heterosexual/straight adults (25.1% vs 18.8%) in 2020.

For years, tobacco companies have specifically aimed their ads at the LGBT community. They place ads in LGBT media, give away free cigarettes, and distribute free merchandise at LGBT events. This targeted marketing has made the LGBT community one of the hardest hit by tobacco use. Raising awareness is the first step. Public health campaigns need to be tailored to the unique needs of the LGBT community. Providing culturally competent support and resources is essential to help LGBT individuals quit smoking and resist Big Tobacco's tactics. Creating a healthier, smoke-free future for the LGBT community requires a collective effort.

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