INDIANAPOLIS -- For the first time ever, the Indy Pride Fest will be a smoke-free event.
The festival takes place Saturday at Military Park in Indianapolis. It's the largest event for LGBTQ people in the state.
The biggest reason for going smoke-free? Encouraging a healthy lifestyle in the LGBTQ community, according to Chris Handberg, the executive director of Indy Pride.
"Indiana has a relatively high smoking rate compared to the rest of the country," Handberg said. "LGBTQ people tend to have higher smoking rates in general. We felt it was our responsibility … to help people choose to not smoke."
According to the 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, the smoking rate for LGBTQ adults in Indiana is 53 percent higher than straight adults.
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There will be smoking spots outside the festival on the northeast side and the southeast side. People will still be allowed to smoke at the Cadillac Barbie Pride Parade since it takes place on city streets.
Indy Pride Fest is just the third festival in the country to go smoke-free.
"We don't want to shame those who smoke or use tobacco ... we love them," Handberg said. "We also want to help those who may feel helpless find ways to make that change in their life."
The festival takes place Saturday, June 9, from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
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