CTPP’s Stance Against LGBTQ+ Violence and Hate

We are all aware of the political and social climate in this country escalating homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic vitriol, discrimination, threats, and violence. And, while California continues to push back against this tide and be a safe, accepting, protective environment, those same discriminatory and threatening actions are ever present.

The LGBTQ+ community has historically been subjected to and continues to face threats of violence. Recently, threats have hit home for LGBTQ+ project staff in the tobacco prevention field during this year’s PRIDE, a month in which we take time to honor the sacrifices and loss the community has been subjected to, and recognize and appreciate the many contributions of the LGBTQ+ members of our communities. We work in a contentious field of public health where we withstand opposition from the tobacco industry and its front groups to good public health policy. However, when hate is thrusted upon individuals because of their sexual or gender identity and threatens bodily injury or death, it is imperative our program does what it can do to protect, take action, and stands in support.

The unfortunate reality is many communities are currently experiencing similar escalating threats and violence. We are requesting all funded projects to be thoughtful and intentional when planning and organizing events that members of the LGBTQ+ and other communities attend. Please consider safety and security at public events and communicate with statewide coordinating centers and other funded projects to ensure public meetings and events are a safe space. Give grace and understand that there may be times when this may not be enough. Please take any threat seriously and report them to local law enforcement.

The California Tobacco Prevention Program stands in steadfast solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. We would like to thank WE BREATHE’s Dannie Cesena and Isaias Guzman for their leadership and guidance on this important issue. Our collective effect on communities most impacted by the tobacco industry can, and should, go beyond our tobacco prevention and cessation work.

Gordon Sloss, Branch Chief
California Tobacco Prevention Program