Tobacco Use Disparities Among LGBTQ+ People

Individuals identifying as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ+) have higher rates of tobacco use than the general population. Among LGBTQ+ community, those identifying as Lesbian, Gay, or Bisexual were found to use tobacco at higher rates than those identifying as heterosexual (Figure 2.5.1). Data on people identified as transgender and Queer/Questioning individuals were not available in this study. Rates of cigarette smoking are also higher among individuals identifying as Transgender compared to those identifying as cisgender (35.5% vs 20.7%).¹ These higher rates are partially due to targeted marketing by the tobacco industry.² Tailored interventions are needed to prevent initiation and provide cessation support for these individuals.³