The Out Against Big Tobacco Central Valley (OABT-CV) Coalition, supported by the Equality California Institute, was an alliance of LGBTQ+ people and community organizations that worked together to address tobacco control and health inequity issues within California’s LGBTQ+ community.

We stood up to Big Tobacco and fought for institutional changes to protect future generations from their predatory practices. Our efforts focused on promoting health equity and reducing tobacco-related health consequences through education and local policy ordinances. Together, we addressed health disparities in our community and worked toward implementing lasting change across California’s Central Valley and beyond. Enough was enough — and we took a stand.

1. Restrict the availability of ALL flavors in ALL tobacco products. No Exceptions! AND no longer allow the use of discounts and price reduction promotions for the purchase of tobacco products.
2. Create a culture of tobacco-free Pride celebrations.
3. Remove the influence of Big Tobacco from California State elections.

• In 2020, published the “Perceptions About Flavored Tobacco Policies and Smoking Behaviors by Age, Gender and Sexual Orientation in the LGBTQ Population in Los Angeles County” research.
• In June 2021, we hosted a discussion about LGBTQ+ health and Pride with community members titled, “Taking Pride in our Health Townhall.”
• In 2021, published the “Tobacco Control as an LGBTQ+ Issue: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Recommendations from LGBTQ+ Community Leaders” research.
• In November 2022, we hosted a town hall titled “Pocket Change” in collaboration with the American Lung Association’s Proud 2b Free project discussing how Big Tobacco’s contributions interfere with California politics.
• In November 2022, California voters passed Proposition 31 during the election which implemented SB 793, setting a statewide floor prohibiting the sale of certain flavored tobacco products at retail locations, including menthol and electronic cigarettes.
• In 2023, Developed a tobacco free Pride toolkit for Pride organizers.
• Hosted 16 educational presentations statewide on tobacco control and tobacco prevention.
• Worked tirelessly with the following community based organizations; The Goddess Mercado, The Source LGBT+ Center, American Trans Resource Hub, Placer LGBTQ+ Center, Fresno EOC LGBTQ+ Resource Center, to secure their Pride and other LGBTQ+ events as a tobacco-free place.
• Recruited and maintained an LGBTQ+ coalition of 14 member organizations spanning the Central Valley and provided a multitude of training and professional development opportunities to this coalition.
• Collaborated with 23 California legislators who formally committed—by signing a pledge—not to accept campaign contributions or donations from the tobacco industry.
• Lastly, Met face to face with over 20 state and local policymakers during Information & Education Days in the state Capitol to advocate for a local tobacco retail license at the local level and keep big tobacco out of California politics.
• To date, we provided 45 hours of educational training and advocacy support to organizations across the state.
• Over the past five years, we attended 30 Pride events across California and engaged with hundreds of participants.

Previously, we also operated in Los Angeles, California as Out Against Tobacco Los Angeles (OABT-LA). OABT-LA began in 2018 at Equality California. Through its five year tenure, OABT-LA had many accomplishments such as:

• Hosting the 2022 annual forum “Finding Your Breath” alongside community partners National Asian Pacific American Families Against Substance Abuse, Somos LEA, Cedars-Sinai, Gender Justice LA, Trans Can Work We Breathe and American Lung Association  to discuss tobacco-related health disparities in diverse LGBTQ+ communities.
• Advocating for the passing of a comprehensive tobacco retail license in West Hollywood.
• Launching the Public Intercept Survey revealing that 71% of people agree that their local areas should restrict the sale of all vape/e-cigarettes.

Since 2024, OABT-LA is now overseen by our partners at the California LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network. To learn more about their current work please click here. 

• Kick It California:

English 1-800-300-8086 

Spanish 1-800-600-8191

• The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
• Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860
• SmokeFree: 1-800-QUIT-NOW
• Every Try Counts!: 1-877-44U-QUIT