The American Lung Association is encouraging LGBT smokers to kick the unhealthy habit this month in honor of pride festivities happening across the nation. The 2011 Utah Pride Festival is this weekend in Salt Lake City.
Last year, the association released a report that found that gay, bisexual and transgender men are 2 to 2.5 times more likely to smoke than heterosexual men, and LBT women are 1.5 to 2 times more likely to smoke than their heterosexual peers. Discrimination, stress and targeted marketing were identified as possible contributors to the higher smoking rates.
“Tobacco use is a pervasive threat to the LGBT community that must be addressed,” Charles D. Connor, president and CEO of the American Lung Association, said in a statement. “This month is the perfect time to confront this health disparity head on by raising awareness and encouraging LGBT smokers to quit smoking for good.”
More information about the group’s smoking cessation programs can be found here.
