For LGBTQ+ Youth, Vaping Is Becoming a Dangerous Coping Mechanism

It’s long been known that the bullying LGBTQ+ people face in their youth can have lifelong health ramifications, but a new study is finding this type of social rejection may have a particularly impactful effect on vaping rates.Previous research has shown that LGBTQ+ people tend to vape at disproportionately high rates compared to their straight and cisgender peers, with 22% of gay men and lesbians and 18% of bisexuals vaping, compared to 15% of straight people. But according to a new study published in the journal of Prevention Science, LGBTQ+ youth may exhibit high rates of e-cigarette and vape usage because of bullying from their peers. The review, written by a group of public health researchers at George Mason University and Lehigh University, observed that LGBTQ+ youth face disproportionate rates of bullying, and are often alienated by their own families, leading to an undue amount of minority stress. “LGBTQ + individuals are often minorities within their biological families, and when family members fail to affirm their identity, the home environment becomes a major source of conflict and psychological distress,” the authors wrote.Vaping, therefore, can become a coping mechanism that LGBTQ+ people turn to as a way to deal with stress and marginalization. Given the addictive nature of nicotine, the industry marketing tactics that target both youth and LGBTQ+ publications, the authors recommend specific preventative measures be taken to address the specific risk queer and trans youth face in regards to vaping and e-cigarette use.The authors suggest that creating an affirming environment at home for LGBTQ+ youth can have a significant impact on minimizing their need for coping mechanisms such as vaping. The review also suggests that LGBTQ+ organizations and schools create youth-specific campaigns addressing the harmful effects of vaping, could discourage the behavior. Studies have shown that vaping is likely to cause lung and oral cancer.Ultimately, the autho