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Tobacco Control as an LGBTQ+ Issue: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Recommendations from LGBTQ+ Community Leaders

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  • Veronica Acosta-Deprez

    (Department of Health Science, California State University, Long Beach, CA 90802, USA)

  • Judy Jou

    (Department of Health Science, California State University, Long Beach, CA 90802, USA)

  • Marisa London

    (OUT Against Big Tobacco Program, Equality California, Los Angeles, CA 90010, USA)

  • Mike Ai

    (OUT Against Big Tobacco Program, Equality California, Los Angeles, CA 90010, USA)

  • Carolyn Chu

    (Urban and Regional Planning Masters Program, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA)

  • Nhi Cermak

    (Department of Health Science, California State University, Long Beach, CA 90802, USA)

  • Shannon Kozlovich

    (Programs Department, Equality California, Los Angeles, CA 90010, USA)

Abstract

Tobacco companies use price discounts, including coupons and rebates, to market their products. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities are targeted by these marketing strategies, contributing to inequitably high tobacco use. Some localities have adopted policies restricting tobacco price discounts; for successful implementation, community buy-in is crucial. From July–October 2018, Equality California staff conducted semi-structured interviews with seven participants in Los Angeles, CA. Themes included familiarity with tobacco price discounts, their perceived impact on tobacco use in LGBTQ+ communities, and attitudes toward potential policy restrictions. Interview notes were analyzed using a deductive approach to qualitative analysis. Awareness of tobacco price discounts varied; some interviewees were familiar, while others expressed surprise at their ubiquity. Price discounts were seen to disproportionately impact LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those who additionally identify with other vulnerable groups, including young people and communities of color. Support for policy restrictions was unanimous; however, interviewees expressed concern over political opposition and emphasized a need for culturally competent outreach to LGBTQ+ communities. Community organizations are essential in mobilizing support for policy reform. Understanding the perceptions and recommendations of community leaders provides tools for policy action, likely improving outcomes to reduce LGBTQ+ tobacco use through restricting tobacco price discounts.

Suggested Citation

  • Veronica Acosta-Deprez & Judy Jou & Marisa London & Mike Ai & Carolyn Chu & Nhi Cermak & Shannon Kozlovich, 2021. "Tobacco Control as an LGBTQ+ Issue: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Recommendations from LGBTQ+ Community Leaders," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-12, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:11:p:5546-:d:560065
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    tobacco; LGBTQ+; policy;
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