We are a coalition of community-based organizations and individuals working to address the dispairity of tobacco in our community.
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Check assumptions.
- Don't assume all clients are heterosexual-even if they have been married, have children, or have been in an opposite-sex relationship.
- Don't assume anyone's gender identity or sexual orientation based on appearance.
- The language we use can imply certain assumptions - checking your language is a good way to check your assumptions.
Use inclusive language during cessation classes, conversations, and in materials & hand-outs.
- Use gender-neutral language when discussing a client's significant other. Include terms such as "partner," in place of "spouse" or "husband/wife."
- When facilitating, use examples that are inclusive of diverse family situations.
- Use open-ended questions: "Who can support you in your effort to quit?" rather than, "Can your husband/wife/mother/sister support you in your effort to quit?"
Create a friendly space and an atmosphere of openness and affirmation for all clients.
- Display promotional materials that contain "We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, language, or disability."
- The office or meeting space will be more friendly and safe if it contains posters or pictures depicting LGBT-specific imagery such as pink triangles, rainbow symbols, pictures of transgender people or pictures of same-sex couples.
- Be aware that some LGBT people may prefer to keep their gender identity or sexual orientation private.
- Respect a person's desire to withhold answers to sensitive questions.
Reach out to LGBTQI people.
- If you don't know local LGBT resources, find out. Ask for help or look on-line.
- Place advertisements in LGBT and LGBT-friendly periodicals and local service directories.
- Go to where LGBT people use tobacco such as educational outreach at LGBT churches, community events, bars and clubs.
- Send speakers to meetings of LGBT organizations to announce your services.
- Participate in the Gay American Smokeout or local Pride events.
- Promotional literature about your services should specifically state that services are provided without discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Promotional materials can include LGBT-specific imagery.
Be willing to learn and grow.
- Educate yourself on histories and current realities of LGBT people.
- Working to be inclusive makes you an ally, and you may experience growing pains along the way.
- Learn from errors, apologize, and move on.
Ask for help.
- New Mexico Department of Health Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Program at 505-841-5845
- New Mexico Stop Tobacco On My People (STOMP) 505-988-3473
- Equality New Mexico (EQNM) 505-224-2766
This Rainbow Paper is brought to you courtesy of the LGBTQI Committee of STOMP
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