LGBTQ Community

Using the Behavioral Risk Factor and Surveillance System (BRFSS), three percent of adult Oregonians identify themselves as lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB). The American Community Survey, through the U.S. Census Bureau, estimates that 4.5 percent of Oregonians are lesbian, gay or bisexual. Data published by UCLA suggests 6.1 percent of the population of Portland-Vancouver and Beaverton identifies as LGB, with Portland having the highest percentage, 8.8 percent.

Sexual orientation has been linked to increased risk of smoking. A recent literature review of national studies suggests the prevalence of smoking may be as high as 59 percent for LGB youth and 50 percent among LGB adults, where the overall national prevalence for the same time period was 28 percent. Oregon mirrors this national trend of increased prevalence among LGB adults and youth.

Further information:

• Oregon Tobacco Prevention and Education Program, Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual (LGB) Data Report – 2007
• The American Lung Association report, Smoking Out A Deadly Threat: Tobacco Use in the LGBT Community.  

• How Tobacco Affects You HOME
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