(BINGHAMTON, NY) – LGBTQIA+ young adults ages 18-24 are nearly twice as likely to smoke than their straight peers[i]. About 1 in 6 (15.3%) of lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults smoke cigarettes, compared to about 1 in 9 (11.4%) of heterosexual/straight adults.[ii] This is on purpose. In the 1990s, the tobacco industry specifically targeted the LGBTQIA+ community with a marketing plan called “Project SCUM.”
In response, Tobacco-Free Broome Tioga, and the Identity Youth Center are partnering to raise awareness during Binghamton’s First Friday events. On September 6th from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., Tobacco-Free Broome Tioga will educate community members and youth members of Identity on the connection between tobacco and vape use in the LGBTQIA+ community. Individuals interested in attending should visit 206 State St, Binghamton, NY during the above-mentioned hours.
Tobacco Free Broome & Tioga and Reality Check are funded partners of the New York State Bureau of Tobacco Control. The Bureau of Tobacco Control implements evidence-based and promising strategies to prevent and reduce tobacco use and envisions a tobacco-free society for all New Yorkers. For more information, visit www.tobaccofreenys.com
[i]. LGBT+ young people smoke and vape at a higher prevalence than non-LGBT+ peers. (2024). In Truth Initiative. https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/targeted-communities/lgb…(34%25%20vs.
[ii] Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) - tips from former smokers. (2024, April 30). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/groups/lgbt.html#:~:text=Smok…)%20of%20heterosexual%2Fstraight%20adults.
