Effective this past January 1, the State of Illinois whole heartedly joined the anti- smoking movement by banning smoking in all public places, including bars, clubs, restaurants and workplaces. While the majority of citizens in the state (as well as in the U.S.) do not smoke and smile inwardly as well as outwardly at our growing smoke-free society, those who are addicted to nicotine realize that their tobacco tinged lives are in the midst of changing forever.

As the new smoking ban is now upon us, there are particular special and additional challenges that confront the GLBT community, which researchers believe has a higher prevalence of tobacco use. Due in part to higher levels of social stress, frequent patronage of bars and clubs, higher rates of alcohol and drug use, and direct targeting of gay and lesbian consumers by the tobacco industry, researchers and surveys have found that LGBT individuals are 40-70% more likely to smoke than non-LGBT folks (GBT men are 50% more likely to smoke than the general population and LBT women are almost 200% more likely to smoke than the general population.)

In the face of these alarming statistics and the new Illinois smoking ban, Howard Brown Community Center (HBHC) has taken the lead in offering smoking cessation programs specifically targeting Chicago's GLBT community. Begun in 2007, HBHC's "Bitch To Quit" program is a 7-week moderated course led by trained ex-smokers who have already gone through the hellish process of quitting.

Based off of the model deveoped by the American Lung Association and similar to San Francisco's critically acclaimed "Queer Tips" smoking cessation program, "Bitch To Quit" is conducted in a group atmosphere (12 ­ 15 participants) with the smoking "quit date" slated for Week 4 of the program. The first three weeks prepare participants for the non-smoking journey ahead while post "quit date" sessions focus on both the immediate issues resulting from a suddenly nicotine-free life as well as longer-term factors that might result in a relapse.

There will be six groups during 2008, including a Thursday night group (starting on January 17) that will meet at HBHC and a Tuesday night group (starting on February 19) that will meet at Sidetrack. A group in April is scheduled to meet at the Brown Elephant Resale Shop in Boystown while another in May will convene on the south side of the city at Affinity Community Services. The cost to participants in the 7-week program is $150 and includes a supply of non-smoking aids such as gum and patches as well as a Quit Kit that contains candy, a stress ball, and a relaxation CD. (Based on a participant's income, a Sliding Scale Fee Discount may be available.)

For more information about the "Bitch To Quit" or to sign up for a program, contact Kristen Torres at HBHC, 4025 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL 60613; 773.388.8682.