Kathryn Carley
01 Jun 2026

Massachusetts residents taking part in Pride Month events this June will see additional help for those hoping to quit nicotine.

Research shows LGBTQ+ adults smoke cigarettes at significantly higher rates than their straight peers and are nearly twice as likely to use e-cigarettes.

Kendric Dartis, vice president of engagement outreach for the public health nonprofit Truth Initiative, said resources to help people quit smoking will be available during Provincetown’s signature Frolic Weekend celebration, June 17-22.

“Frolic Weekend is a multiday destination celebration for queer men of color,” Dartis explained. “Truth Initiative's presence will really bring meaningful community impact through wellness programming for those who attend.”

Dartis noted attendees can sign up for the “Ex Program,” which features personalized nicotine quit plans with daily advice and text message support from the Mayo Clinic. The program was found to be effective in the first randomized clinical trial for vaping cessation among adolescents and young adults and research showed it can increase nicotine users’ odds of quitting by up to 40%.

Dartis pointed out marketing campaigns by tobacco companies often depict tobacco use as a normal part of LGBTQ+ life and even host community outreach events.

“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 outlined.

Tobacco companies also use queer themes and symbols, including rainbow flags, in ads on social media, websites and streaming services.

More than 27% of LGBTQ+ adults report using tobacco, compared with roughly 18% of straight adults.

People can access the EX Program for free by texting 'LIVEPROUD' to 88709.

Source: Public News Service