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

Veronica Acosta-Deprez, Judy Jou, Marisa London, Mike Ai, Carolyn Chu, Nhi Cermak and Shannon Kozlovich
Additional contact information
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

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 11, 1-12

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.

Keywords: tobacco; LGBTQ+; policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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