Truth Initiative celebrates Pride month by expanding quit support in LGBTQ+ communities

This Pride month, Truth Initiative is celebrating queer health by showing support for quitters on TikTok and sharing quitting resources at Pride events across the country.  

For decades, the tobacco industry has deliberately targeted the queer community, fueling higher prevalence of tobacco use that persists today. Truth Initiative’s Pride + Progress coalition aims to close the gap with culturally resonant resources delivered in settings that feel celebratory and not clinical.  

Through the Pride + Progress coalition and ongoing work in Illinois, Massachusetts, and D.C. during Pride month, Truth Initiative is expanding stigma-free support to quit nicotine through EX Program, a free digital quitting program developed by Truth Initiative with Mayo Clinic.  

Addressing a history of targeted marketing and increased tobacco use

LGBTQ+ communities are disproportionately impacted by tobacco due to a history of targeted marketing from the tobacco industry, as well as stigma and discrimination which can lead to stress and increase tobacco use. 

Targeted marketing and stress have left a measurable mark on community health. LGBTQ+ youth and adults have a higher prevalence of tobacco product use compared to their cisgender and heterosexual peers, and 43% of transgender and gender diverse adults smoke, compared to 19.2% of cisgender adults. 

Because the drivers of tobacco use in queer communities are tied to identity and lived experience, quitting support should be too. That’s why Truth Initiative is bringing affirming resources to Pride events, designed to make quitting feel like a celebration of community health rather than a source of shame. 

Bringing quit support to LGBTQ+ celebrations across the country 

Truth Initiative is bringing quit support to celebrations across the country, connecting people with EX Program, a free digital quitting program developed by Truth Initiative with Mayo Clinic. 

In Washington, D.C., Truth Initiative is taking part in Capital Pride, bringing quitting resources to attendees at D.C. Pride events. EX Program ads featuring Katya Zamolodchikova and Bob the Drag Queen have also been installed in Dupont Circle, inviting passersby to join EX Program to learn more about quitting nicotine. 

In Provincetown, MA, Truth Initiative is showing up as the community health sponsor for Provincetown's signature Frolic Weekend, a multiday destination celebration for queer men of color. Pride + Progress coalition organizers will be there supporting those quitting (or thinking about quitting) and offering support through EX Program, all in a setting built around celebration and joy. 

In Chicago, IL, Truth Initiative is sharing quitting resources at Chicago Pride, raising awareness of the health disparities the tobacco industry helped create through targeted marketing. By pairing proven quit support with culturally relevant outreach, Truth Initiative is working to close disparities in tobacco use and ensure that everyone has access to proven resources. 

A community coalition to address nicotine addiction

Pride + Progress, part of the Culture + Cessation Collective, is a coalition of community leaders focused on providing safe spaces, meaningful conversations, and actionable resources to help LGBTQ+ communities break free from nicotine addiction. 

Learn more about the coalition or join here to receive the latest updates, newsletters, and opportunities for involvement.

The resources promote EX Program by Truth Initiative, which can help people of all ages quit any type of tobacco or nicotine product. Developed by Truth Initiative with Mayo Clinic, the free digital program can increase the odds of quitting by up to 40% through personalized quit plans, text message support, expert advice and tips, and the most established online community of quitters.