What We Do: Breathe Free

Breathe Free Newsletters

Breathe Free provides education and advocacy around LGBTQ tobacco use with the understanding that we are all (tobacco users and non-users) impacted by tobacco use and by being targeted by the tobacco industry.

Our objectives are:

  • To work in coalition with other groups toward smoke free bars, clubs and other gathering places for LGBTQ folks;
  • To promote safe and smoke free places for LGBTQ people to socialize and connect with each other; and,
  • To advocate that LGBTQ events and organizations not accept funding from tobacco companies.

Breathe Free is funded by the Oregon Department of Human Services as part of the Multicultural Council of programs that provide tobacco prevention education and advocacy within groups who are disproportionately affected by tobacco use and exposure. Breathe Free serves LGBTQ folks of all ages.

Breathe Free is working on several projects:

  • Promotion: creating events within the LGBTQ communities; planning and hosting a forum with bar owners, performers and event organizers; and planning and hosting a performance event with tabling from various health-based organizations.
  • Research: analyzing data from a survey conducted at the Portland’s 2005 Pride festival, applying for grants for research within the LGBTQ communities, collecting information from other research studies about LGBTQ tobacco use and its impacts.
  • Education: providing workshops and presentations on LGBTQ tobacco use and cultural sensitivity in working with LGBTQ people, especially as this relates to healthcare.

Volunteer with Breathe Free!

Contact R.E. “Ari” Szego at 503.784.5813 or r.e.szego@cascadiabhc.org.