Inclusion. Diversity. Love.
June is a month that reminds us that love will always trump hate. Love is above all else. Love always wins. As we celebrate Pride month, we recognize the decades-long—and still ongoing—fight for equal rights in the LGBTQ community. Pride is meant to be a celebration of all that the community has accomplished. There are many ways to celebrate Pride, from learning the history of the movement, to supporting the diverse array of LGBTQ voices, watching a family-friendly film, supporting local LGBT businesses and charities, and more. I hope you celebrated! Our family celebrated by raising our rainbow flag and have flying it proudly all month to support our LGBTQ+ family and friends.
Even though celebrating is my favorite thing to do, I also took time in June to learn more about the Stonewall riots, the legendary leaders of riots, and the oppression that LGBTQ+ folks still face today. And, if there is anyone better at oppression, it’s the tobacco industry. It’s no surprise that LGBTQ+ adults smoked cigarettes at rates significantly higher than straight adults and were nearly twice as likely to use e-cigarettes and little cigars — trends created by targeted marketing by Big Tobacco. For years the tobacco industry has made efforts to appeal to LGBTQ+ consumers through things like advertisements in LGBT press, cigarette giveaways, and free tobacco industry merchandise. Today, the LGBTQ+ community is among the hardest hit by tobacco.
Let’s remember to not judge those who are smoking and do a better job to understand more of the WHY they are smoking. It could be deeper than you think.
Happy Pride Month, everyone!
Wendy
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Relax. Talk. Listen. Repeat. |
Kids who drink alcohol are more likely to have problems at school, with their friends, and with the law. Worse, alcohol can harm kids’ physical and mental health. But you don’t need a big speech to help a kid understand the dangers of underage drinking. Start small instead. Having a lot of small, casual talks—at the store, in the drive-thru, or between video games—can make a big difference in a kid’s health. Start around age eight to prepare kids to make a lifetime of healthy decisions. Visit SmallTalksWI.org for talk tips, facts, and more.
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REACH Summer Internship 2021 |
Seven Calumet County students are participating in the first ever REACH Summer Internship. This week-long experience offers select Calumet County youth the opportunity to come together and create a substance misuse prevention marketing campaign. Through the 2021-2022 school year, this campaign will be shared to unite local youth in committing to a substance misuse free lifestyle. |
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We officially completed our first year of the RAISE project at Chilton High School.
This project helped students build gratitude and awareness on important topics. The group wrapped up the year by sending encouraging notes to next year's classmates. Even with many setbacks during the school year, the students remained positive, empathetic, and most importantly resilient. Way to go RAISE students!
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FACT Speaks Out on Teen Vaping & Covid-19
Kaukauna FACT student, Cassie Phillips, submitted testimony to legislators on the Wisconsin Joint Finance Committee about the importance of youth prevention programs like FACT.
“FACT is very important to me because we have the potential to change lives by educating our peers and community about the dangers of tobacco use.”
Read Cassie's entire testimony here.
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Tobacco use in LGBT communities
LGBT individuals may experience disparities that stem from social stigma and discriminatory treatment. On top of that, there is a different kind of disparity in the LGBT community that is often overlooked: disproportionately high tobacco use rates.
Read more
truthinitiative.org
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Pride in Policy: Advancing the Health of the LGBTQ+ Community |
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STRESS = SUBSTANCE ABUSE "Being queer in a heterosexist society is very stressful. I'm willing to bet - in fact, I can tell you definitively that a lot of substance abuse within the queer community is directly tied to that...
www.lgbtqminustobacco.org
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Past studies show the LGBTQ population in Wisconsin, like other minority groups, has struggled with smoking. Health advocates say, while it's gotten better with time, there's still work to do. "It has to do with stress and...
www.tmj4.com
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No More Cheap Tobacco | LGBTQ Minus Tobacco
Nearly 70% of tobacco users want to quit; half make an attempt each year; fewer than 10% are successful - but more succeed when fewer cheap products are available. ​
Read more
www.lgbtqminustobacco.org
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Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line
The Quit Line offers free help to quit smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco. This quitline offers enrollment by calling 800-QUIT-NOW, by texting "ready" to 200-400, or by visiting www.WiQuitLine.org.
Read more
quitline.wisc.edu
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Wisconsin Wins is a science-based, state-level initiative designed to decrease youth access to tobacco products. Through Wins, investigations or compliance checks, are conducted to facilitate retailer compliance with the law.

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Today's tobacco comes in every color and flavor of the rainbow. While we'd prefer to save the creativity and expression for Pride Month, Big Tobacco has other thoughts.
If you sell tobacco, make sure you and your employees are trained to spot tobacco hiding in plain sight so it doesn't end up in the hands of minors.
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