Judith Ruiz-Branch
01 Jun 2026

As Pride Month begins, Illinois residents taking part in events may see programming aimed at helping people struggling with nicotine addiction.

Research shows LGBTQ+ adults smoke cigarettes at much higher rates than their straight peers and are nearly twice as likely to use e-cigarettes. The data is similar for LGBTQ+ youth.

Kendric Dartis, vice president of engagement outreach for the public health nonprofit Truth Initiative, said the disparities stem in part from targeted advertising intended to normalize nicotine use.

“For years, the tobacco industry has made efforts to appeal to LGBTQ+ consumers through advertisement and LGBTQ+ press, cigarette giveaways, and free tobacco industry merchandise,” Dartis said.

Truth Initiative is leading prevention outreach during Pride events. Dartis noted people attending local events can sign up for the EX Program, which was created in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic. It offers personalized quitting plans, interactive text messages and access to a supportive online community. Organizers said the program was shown to be effective in the first randomized clinical trial focused on helping adolescents and young adults stop vaping, increasing their odds of quitting by up to 40%.

During Pride festivities, Truth Initiative plans to feature LGBTQ+ community members who successfully reduced tobacco use through the program.

“I think it's incredibly important that we provide in this time an opportunity of having everyone in safe spaces and creating affirming stigma-free journeys for people to quit,” Dartis emphasized.

Festivals and parades are scheduled across Illinois this month. Chicago Pride Fest, one of the country’s largest Pride events, will be held June 20-21.

Source: Public News Service