Mautner Project: The National Lesbian Health Organization To Be Featured In New Citywide Ad Campaign

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18 , 2008

THE MAUTNER PROJECT: THE NATIONAL LESBIAN HEALTH ORGANIZATION FEATURED IN NEW TOBACCO-FREE, LGBT-AFFIRMING AD CAMPAIGN

WASHINGTON - For the first time ever, Mautner Project: The National Lesbian Health Organization will be featured as part of a citywide advertising campaign that hopes to reduce, and ultimately eliminate, tobacco use in the District of Columbia. Funding for the campaign has been provided by a grant from DC Tobacco Free Families Campaign, which offers free services such as nicotine patches and lozenges for DC residents along with education, free tobacco cessation support groups and tobacco prevention programs.

DC Tobacco Free Families sought Mautner Project's help with messaging for the campaign, particularly language that would appeal to those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT).

"We are delighted with these new bus posters that feature a tobacco-free and LGBT-affirming, stylish, and contemporary message," said Leslie Calman, Executive Director of Mautner Project. "The research tells us the need is great: lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LBT) women smoke at up to two to three times the rate of the general population. But there's no research that says why this is."

"We know that tobacco companies have targeted the LGBT community through print advertising and other promotions," continued Calman. "The tobacco companies want to associate cigarettes with individuality, independence, freedom, and sex appeal -- all themes that tend to resonate strongly with LGBT people. We need to get out an alternative message: not only can smoking kill you, but it's not sexy and it's not appealing."

The posters will begin appearing on DC Metro buses toward the end of August. The advertisment also features popular Mystics Center Nakia Sanford, and the words "Strong/Smart. Sexy. Non-smoker."

DC Tobacco Free Families provides free smoking cessation treatments, including nicotine replacement therapy, to DC residents. It supports a number of community programs including smoking cessation groups offered by Mautner Project for LGBT people and allies. Counseling for DC residents and others can be found by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

Other celebrities featured in the print and broadcast advertising campaign are NFL Hall of Fame member Darrell Green, Washington Wizards' Caron Butler, WPGC radio personality Justine Love, and the DC-based go-go band Mambo Sauce.

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About DCTFF
DCTFF is a partnership of the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association of DC, and the DC Department of Health.

About Mautner Project: The National Lesbian Health Organization
Founded in 1990, The Mautner Project works to improve the health of lesbians and their families through advocacy, education, research, and direct service. The Mautner Project envisions a healthcare system that is guided by social justice and is responsive to the needs of all people.