Why is Gay Smoking so Prevalent?
Is gay smoking sexy?
Gay smoking rates are much higher than in the straight population. This is especially apparent when using gay dating sites because smoking status is normally included as a profile statistic. According to recent studies gay and bi men are between 45%+ to 100%* more likely to smoke.
So what is it with gay smoking? Why do gay and bi guys smoke so much more? There are some factors which contribute to the higher gay smoking prevalence:
Discrimination Stress and Enhanced Peer Pressure
Gay and bi guys are likely to experience discrimination stress during their teenage years which is exactly the time when young adults first experiment with smoking. The added stress of either coming out, or not coming out, can make gay and bi teenagers more likely to succomb to peer pressure.
We Live in Dangerous Times
Whilst medical treatment has advanced considerably the shadow cast by HIV/AIDS has deeply permeated gay culture. We know life is fragile, and precious, and we live in dangerous times. This knowledge that our health may be compromised may contribute to a ‘what the hell’ attitude - “You’ve got to die of something”.
Gay Personality
At the risk of a massive over-generalisation, is there an aspect of the gay personality trait that lives for the now, at the expense of the future? Are gay guys more likely to focus on the joy of the present? Are we less likely to have pensions, to save for a rainy day, are we more likely to smoke, and more likely to take risks for pleasure in the short term than prepare for a better tomorrow?
Gay Smoking and the Gay Scene
Many gay and bi men have used gay bars and clubs to meet and socialise. While smoking was very common in these gay venues, two recent factors have lessened the impact of the gay scene regarding gay smoking rates – the recent UK and Ireland ban on smoking in public places, and the massive growth of online gay dating meaning guys can cruise from home.
Despite this, the gay scene is still popular, and many bars have outside areas for smoking. Also some men will have started smoking before the law changed and online gay dating took off.
Gay Smoking and Appetite Suppression
There is enormous pressure on gay men to stay slim. Smoking is a known appetite suppressant, and the high incidence of gay smoking may be influenced by the desire to lose/maintain weight, and the fear of gaining weight when giving up smoking.
Gay Smoking and Children
Gay men are less likely to have children, or live with children, and so lack this influence to give up.
Freedom and Gay Smoking
A recent study on gay smoking showed that as a social group gay and bi men were just as likely to respond to assistance in giving up*. For HIV positive guys, the health benefits of giving up are especially notable.
Smoking is a lifestyle choice and freedom is something that the gay community particularly values. However, for those gay guys who do want to quit, would a dedicated stop smoking scheme that focused on the unique challenges faced by the male gay community be helpful?
by David Abrehart
+source American Cancer Society
*source Bio Med Central Ltd
(c) Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
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