Exploring Young Adult Sexual Minority Women's Perspectives on LGBTQ Smoking

Abstract

Smoking rates are higher among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals than among heterosexuals. These disparities are exacerbated during the transition from youth to young adulthood. The current study uses in-depth qualitative interviews to understand perceptions of LGBTQ smoking among LBQ-identified women (N = 30, ages 18 to 24). Major themes identified include the belief that smoking was a way of overcoming stressors faced by heterosexual and LGBTQ young adults alike, a mechanism to relieve sexuality-related stressors, and an ingrained part of LGBTQ culture. Results may suggest unique stressors influence LGBTQ smokers. Implications for smoking cessation interventions for LGBTQ youth are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Adolescence
• identity development
• intervention strategies

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Emily J. Youatt

Emily J. Youatt, Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.

Michelle M. Johns

Michelle M. Johns, Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.

Emily S. Pingel

Emily S. Pingel, Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.

Jorge H. Soler

Jorge H. Soler, Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.

José A. Bauermeister

José A. Bauermeister, Center for Sexuality and Health Disparities, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.