The Privilege to be Free from Addiction

Описание: The Privilege to be Free from Addiction: How LGBTQ+ and African Americans are being targeted by Big Tobacco

Recent data shows 85% of Black adult smokers are smoking menthol cigarettes, similarly up to 51% of LGBTQ+ adult smokers are smoking menthol cigarettes. The banning of menthol cigarettes has been called a “Social Justice Issue Long Overdue” . Even with these facts, the targeting of minority groups by Big Tobacco is not well known. This presentation, through a series of interactive polls, audience feedback and other interactive elements, will show the deep history of Menthol cigarette use and how the Tobacco industry has targeted African Americans and LGBTQ+ people through a devious system of sponsorship, funding and brand promotion. This presentation will model youth-adult partnership, pulling together resources from Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and the National LGBT Cancer Network. Participants will learn how Big Tobacco’s strategies have led to a disproportionate addiction to menthol cigarettes in African American and LGBTQ+ communities. The health toll of this disparity will be presented. Finally, participants will be given action steps that they can take to combat this injustice.

Presenters: Justin Hansen & Sierra Palmer