A new campaign has been launched to assist and prompt people in the LGBTIQA+ community to quit smoking or vaping.
A joint initiative of Vic Health, Quit and The Cancer Council, ‘Quit with Pride’ was launched on Monday, April 7 and will feature across Victorian radio, podcasts, out of home posters, digital channels and throughout community and outdoor settings until May 17.
The campaign is borne out of data showing LGBTIQA+ people face disproportionately higher rates of smoking and vaping compared to their heterosexual counterparts.
The 2022 Victorian Smoking and Health Survey showed 21.7 per cent of Victorians who identify as LGBTIQA+ smoked and 12.2 per cent used vapes, compared 14.4 per cent and 5.8 per cent of heterosexual Victorians respectively.
Matilda Mercury features in ‘Quit with Pride’ campaign imagery and said smoking was somewhat normalised in her family.
“For me, it was my Dad who introduced me to smoking at just 16,” Ms Mercury said.
“About 8 years of smoking later at 24 years old, I was lying on my bed, gossiping over the phone and I remember having to GASP for breath every 10-20 seconds. It hit me then. This couldn’t be normal for my age. So I quit,” she said .
“If I can do it, so can anyone. I think most people have a certain moment that acts as a turning point. Whatever your motivation, it’ll be one of the best things you ever do,” she added.
Quit director Rachael Andersen said the organisation was committed to helping address health inequities when it comes to smoking and vaping.
“At Quit we’re determined to provide appropriate, inclusive and non-judgemental support and encouragement for LGBTIQA+ people to quit,” Ms Anderson said.
“And it’s vital our campaigns resonate with this community. We’re so grateful to have advocates like Matilda Mercury on board to help us promote their important message to Quit with pride,” she said.
To find out more about the campaign, visit: www.quit.org.au/quitwithpride
