Discrimination, levels of internalized heterosexism, and use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes in young sexual minority men

Young sexual minority men (YSMM) are in a critical developmental stage that makes them vulnerable to the use of substances as a form of coping from experiences of internalized heterosexism (IH). Using a national survey (N = 325), we examined the associations of discrimination and use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes in YSMM and if levels of IH will moderate this relationship. Discrimination was associated with increased odds of cigarette and e-cigarette use. Discrimination was positively associated with all smoking outcomes among those who reported low IH. Understanding how different levels of IH and how it influences discrimination and smoking should be studied further.