LGBTQIA2S+ Communities and Menthol

People who identify as LGBTQIA2S+ are more likely to use menthol tobacco products than people who identify as heterosexual.^1, 2 That’s no mistake.

For many years, the tobacco industry has targeted LGBTQIA2S+ communities with images that suggest that the use of menthol tobacco products is an important part of community life, fostering a sense of belonging. The tobacco industry also uses venue and event promotions, political ties with LGBTQIA2S+ leaders, and support for LGBTQIA2S+ causes to promote menthol products.^3-7

People who identify as LGBTQIA2S+ are more likely to try their first cigarette before age 13.² And menthol is key, making it easier to start smoking and harder to quit.¹

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Menthol and quitting

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^{References:
1 Cigarette Smoking and the Role of Menthol in Tobacco Use Inequalities for Sexual Minorities. Ollie Ganz, Cristine D Delnevo, Nicotine Tob Res. 2021;23: 1942–1946.
2 Menthol cigarette smoking among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender adults. Fallin A, Goodin AJ, King BA., Am J Prev Med. 2015;48: 93–97.
3 Big Tobacco Targets the LGBTQ+ Community , American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, December 15, 2022
4 An Analysis of Tobacco Industry Marketing to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Populations: Strategies for Mainstream Tobacco Control and Prevention. Stevens P, Carlson LM, Hinman JM. Health Promotion Practice. 2004. p. 129S–134S. doi:10.1177/1524839904264617
5 The outing of Philip Morris: advertising tobacco to gay men. Elizabeth A. Smith, PhD and Ruth E. Malone, PhD, RN, Am J Public Health. 2003;93: 988–993.
6 Burning Love: big tobacco takes aim at LGBT youths. Washington HA. Am J Public Health. 2002;92: 1086–1095.
Tobacco Policies and Alcohol Sponsorship at Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Festivals: Time for Intervention. Jasmine D. Spivey, Joseph G. L. Lee, PhD, MPH, corresponding author and Stacy W. Smallwood, PhD, MPH, Am J Public Health. 2018;108: 187–188}