The Out Against Big Tobacco Central Valley (OABT-CV) Coalition, supported by Equality California Institute, is an alliance of LGBTQ+ individuals and community organizations collectively working to address tobacco control and health inequity issues within California’s LGBTQ+ community.

We’re standing up to Big Tobacco and fighting for institutional changes to protect future generations from their predatory practices. Our focus is on promoting health equity and reducing tobacco-related health consequences through education and local policy ordinances. Together we’re addressing health disparities in our community, and are working towards implementing these changes throughout California’s Central Valley region and statewide. Enough is enough – it’s time to take a stand against Big Tobacco.

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.

• 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.
• 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.

Farewell, OUT Against Big 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 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.

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. 

1. Request a training for your school/organization, email Program Manager, Beatriz at beatriz.baez@eqca.org for more information.
2. Apply to become an OABT-CV Coalition subgrant recipient. Applications open November 1, 2023!
3. Sign up your organization with the OABT-CV Coalition, 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