We need to do more to reduce tobacco’s impact on the LGBT community | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Emma Chavez, Wisconsin Hispanic Latino Tobacco Prevention Network Member
June 19, 2019
June is Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, a yearly celebration of LGBT equality. There have been advances in LGBT rights and equality, but discrimination and disparities remain a problem for LGBT individuals.
For example, LGBT health disparities are often overlooked, especially those related to tobacco. LGBT individuals face adversity from social stigma and exclusion, which leads to an increased chance of engaging in risky behaviors, like using tobacco.
In Wisconsin, the 2013-17 smoking prevalence rate for LGB individuals in Wisconsin is 26 percent, 10  points higher than the state average for adults. This doesn’t need to remain the case in our state. There are groups and individuals working to support LGBT individuals who want to quit smoking and also to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and create more smoke-free spaces.
In addition, the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line provides free quit tobacco assistance, regardless of orientation and identification. Tobacco users should call 1-800-QUIT-NOW today for free help!
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Sincerely,
Emma Chavez
Wisconsin Hispanic Latino Tobacco Prevention Network Member