Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) People
Know the Facts
If you are part of the LGBT community, you likely have seen tobacco ads in magazines, newspapers, and websites directed at you. Tobacco companies are focusing their advertising on your communities.
Smoking among lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults in the United States is much higher than among heterosexual/straight adults.
- Nearly 1 in 6 (16.1%) of lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults smoke cigarettes, compared with nearly 1 in 8 (12.3%) of heterosexual/straight adults.*
- Cigarette smoking is also higher among transgender adults (35.5%), than among adults whose gender identity corresponds with their birth sex (cisgender).†
Smoking increases your risk for lung cancer, heart disease, chronic bronchitis, and other smoking-related diseases.
Learn what percent of people currently smoke cigarettes, both in the United States overall and among specific populations.
- Text QUITNOW to 333888—Message and data rates may apply
- quitSTART appexternal icon—tips, information, and challenges to help you quit
- 1-800-QUIT-NOW
- 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (Español [Spanish])
- Asian Smokers’ Quitlineexternal icon
- 1-800-838-8917 (中文 (Chinese) [Cantonese & Mandarin])
- 1-800-556-5564 (한국어 [Korean])
- 1-800-778-8440 (Tiếng Việt [Vietnamese])
Quit Smoking Medications
There are 7 quit-smoking medicines approved by the FDA. Explore ways to get free or reduced cost quit-smoking medicines from your health insurance, health plan, or other sources.
*Tobacco Product Use Among Adults – United States, 2020. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 2022.
† Transgender Use of Cigarettes, Cigars, and E-Cigarettes in a National Study. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, [e-pub 2017 Jan 13].
Ellie N. never smoked herself, but she worked in a bar that had many LGBT customers and she noticed plenty of smokers. She had severe asthma attacks—triggered by her exposure to secondhand smoke on the job.
“I had trouble breathing. It was terrifying!“