If you are part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and have seen tobacco advertisements in your day to day, that is likely not by chance.

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Tobacco companies have long targeted 2SLGBTQIA + communities through their marketing tactics. The industry tries to normalize smoking and vaping as part of queer identity or community belonging for their own profits, when these products are addictive and harmful to your health. 

Your identity is yours and yours alone – tobacco doesn’t need to be a part of it. We are here to support you with a safe, compassionate path to reduce or quit tobacco. 

Ready for a fresh start?

Thinking about cutting back or quitting smoking or vaping? You’re not alone, and change is absolutely possible. Many 2SLGBTQIA+ people have found new ways to care for their health, reduce stress, and feel stronger by taking steps toward a tobacco-free life. Whatever your reasons, whether it’s for your body, your mental wellbeing, your loved ones, or your community, you deserve support that affirms who you are.

Tobacco use in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community

The 2SLGBTQIA+ community face unique challenges that contribute to tobacco use: 

financial_burden

Predatory marketing: Big Tobacco has historically exploited 2SLGBTQIA+ freedom and rights advocacy by copying language used by activists in their product campaigns. Ads, giveaways, merchandise, and sponsorship in 2SLGBTQIA+ press and events are some of the ways that the industry tries to appeal to the community. 

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Barriers to safe and equitable healthcare: Many 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals have trouble accessing the healthcare they need, including support to reduce or quit nicotine. There is still more work to be done to ensure that the healthcare system is safe and inclusive for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. 

other smokers

Normalization in some spaces: The prevalence of tobacco products in 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly spaces, due to industry influences, has normalized its use in the community.

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Stigma and discrimination: Chronic stress from stigma, discrimination, and minority stress can contribute to coping through commercial tobacco and nicotine.

These systemic factors contribute to higher use of commercial tobacco and nicotine in 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Although research is limited, estimates suggest that about 36% of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals currently smoke, approximately three times Canada’s national average.

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Your health matters. Your community matters.

Take control of your health

Protect your health against cancer, lung diseases, and heart diseases. Read about the benefits of quitting smoking or vaping here.

Support your mental wellbeing

While nicotine can feel like short-term relief, dependence can raise baseline stress over time. Many people notice mood and sleep improve after they quit. Quitting tobacco is an important step to improving your mental wellbeing. Learn more about mental health and quitting here.

Protect your friends, family, and community

Being tobacco-free means you can show up for your loved ones as a stronger, healthier you. When you quit smoking, you also protect those around you from exposure to secondhand smoke.

Stand up to Big Tobacco

Big Tobacco has no say in who you are. Quitting tobacco is a powerful act of resistance from Big Tobacco’s exploitation and harms to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

 

Save money

Refuse to support an industry that profits from addiction and reclaim your budget for what truly serves you. Find out how much you could save by quitting smoking.

Quitting nicotine: Your journey to wellness

Where to start

How we can help

This journey ahead may come with challenges, but we’re here to help you take it one step at a time. Our community is safe, judgment-free, and encouraging. Explore our free services:

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Call a Quit Coach for one-on-one advice
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Chat live with a Quit Coach for practical help
Sign up to Text & Email Tips for extra motivation
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Tune into monthly Group Support Sessions
Join others on the Community Forum

Safe and stigma-free community support

Quit smoking and vaping support

The Expand Project

The Expand Project engages queer and trans young adults ages 18 to 29 on commercial tobacco and nicotine use. The group also partners with the 2-Spirited People of the First Nations to tailor resources for Two-Spirit, Indigiqueer, and non-binary young adults to learn more about reclaiming the traditional uses of tobacco.

https://www.expandproject.ca/  

Health Initiatives for Men (HIM)

HIM provides a range of health programs and services to support the sexual, mental, physical, and social health of self-identified Gay, Bisexual, Queer men and gender diverse people in BC. Individuals can access free one-on-one counselling for support with substances including commercial tobacco use.

https://checkhimout.ca/ 

Prism Services

Prism, a Vancouver Coastal Health service, provides education, information and referral service for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer, and Two Spirit communities affected by substance use.

https://www.vch.ca/en/service/prism-services#overview 

Smoke Break

The Community-Based Research Centre runs Smoke Break, a free, virtual program open to 2S/LGBTQIA+ community members 18 and up. Services include one-on-one support, group support, and distribution of nicotine replacement therapy kits. Services are offered by Smoke Break peer support workers, all of whom are 2S/LGBTQIA+ with experience smoking tobacco themselves.

https://www.cbrc.net/join_smoke_break_pilot_program

Wellbeing and peer support

QMUNITY

BC's Queer, Trans, and Two Spirit Resource Centre. QMUNITY offers culturally safe counselling services, self-help tools, and monthly peer-facilitated peer support groups for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. 

https://qmunity.ca/ 

Foundry BC

Foundry BC is a province-wide network of integrated health and wellness services for young people aged 12-24. 

Queer Café is Foundry’s weekly virtual drop-in for LGBTQIA and Two-Spirit young people. The session is led by peer supporters and includes activities, crafts, workshops, games, and discussions on mental health and substance use.

Email: queercafe@foundrybc.ca

https://foundrybc.ca/

Trans Care BC

Trans Care BC, a program under the Provincial Health Services Authority, is dedicated to enhancing the health and wellbeing of trans, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse individuals across British Columbia. 

https://www.transcarebc.ca/ 

Fraser Valley Youth Society

Fraser Valley Youth Society offers weekly drop-in centres for 2SLGBTQIA+ and allied youth in the communities of Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and Mission. The peer support group explores topics including sexual and gender identity, body positivity, safe spaces and community engagement, and healthy relationships.

https://fvys.ca/

Okanagan Transgender Drop-In

The Okanagan Transgender Drop-in is a peer support and discussion group for transgender, transsexual, genderqueer, Two-Spirit, and intersex people in the Greater Kelowna area.

Email: trans@gayokanagan.com 

Trans Connect

Trans Connect provide support and resources for trans and gender diverse people, including a buddy system, social groups, and community forums, in Nelson and Cranbook. 

Email: ankorstransconnect@gmail.com

Safe Spaces

Safe spaces is a program in Kamloops and Merritt that offers drop-in appointments, peer group meetings, and resources to 2SLGBTQIAP+ youth and their allies between the ages of 12-26.

https://www.interiorcommunityservices.bc.ca/programs/youth/safe-spaces

You can do this!

Quitting can take several attempts; each one teaches you something new and gets you closer to being tobacco-free.  We’re here to set you up with the right tools and support.

Are you ready to go tobacco-free? 

Start your quit journey now!

Additional resources

LGBTQ+ Youth Resource Guide for B.C (Fraser Valley Youth Society)
BC and Vancouver Lower Mainland 2SLGBTQIA+ Resources (What's On Queer BC)
Get Help Now 1-877-455-2233