Alcohol, Tobacco, and Pharmaceutical Industry Funding: Considerations for Organizations Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Communities

Abstract

Emerging research suggests that alcohol, tobacco and drug-related problems may be higher in lesbian and gay communities than in the population as a whole. At the same time, alcohol, tobacco and pharmaceutical industries have increased marketing strategies that are targeted specifically to lesbian and gay communities. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) and HTV/AIDS organizations, often marginalized and under-funded, have frequently faced significant challenges in funding programs and special events. These organizations are often the very same groups needed to promote and support effective substance abuse countermeasures in LGBT communities. Agency leaders, community members, and substance abuse prevention advocates all have a stake in identifying reasonable guidelines for industry sponsorship of special events as well as contributions to nonprofit organizations. This paper discusses these issues and provides examples of guidelines that may be adopted by nonprofit and community based organizations that serve the LGBT community.