Chemsex

Chemsex

Dec 04, 2023 | Manlini didi | Sexual Health

When we would have talked about chemsex in 2016, it would have been a brand-new phenomenon, unheard by many in the queer community. Now, it is as prevalent as going to a club on a weekend. ‘PnP’ or ‘party and play’ or ‘hi-fun’ is plastered all over at least a few profiles in any radius if you are living in a metropolitan city like Delhi or Bombay. People interested in sex after drug use is something that can be categorized as either recreational or occasional, but what is the reason when there are a few people who only are interested in sex after drug use?

The term "chemsex" refers to the use of drugs, specifically psychoactive substances, in a sexual context. It has gained recognition globally as a prevalent phenomenon within various LGBTQ+ communities, including those in India. In a country where societal attitudes toward non-heteronormative sexualities are often conservative and stigmatizing, the pre valence of chemsex among queer individuals presents a complex intersection of factors.

Within India's LGBTQ+ communities, chemsex has emerged as a complex issue, influenced by cultural, societal, and individual aspects. One of the driving forces behind its prevalence is the social landscape that often marginalizes queer individuals. The lack of societal acceptance, coupled with the absence of comprehensive sex education and support systems, pushes many within the LGBTQ+ spectrum into hidden or underground spaces where the use of drugs, including but not limited to methamphetamine, cocaine, and ecstasy, intertwines with sexual activities.

Furthermore, there are advantages and disadvantages to the connectivity of dating applications and digital environments. These platforms do, on the one hand, provide a feeling of belonging and community. However, they also have the potential to normalize and make chemsex more accessible, which might lead to situations where drug use and sex are combined. This leads to individuals who might not be interested in chemsex to indulge in it because they feel it is part of the “normalised” culture that pervades the queer community.

Additionally, In Indian society, where discussions about sex itself, especially non-heteronormative sex, are often shrouded in silence and stigma, seeking support for substance abuse itself can be disastrously challenging, with healthcare spaces being closed to a a non-judgmental and open dialogue due to the drugs being an issue of stigma. Combine that with revealing your queer identity to a healthcare professional, who may or not be discriminatory towards you, and it’s a recipe for clear avoidance for persons of the queer community.   

Addressing the prevalence of chemsex in India's queer communities requires a multifaceted approach. Firstly, there is a crucial need for culturally competent and inclusive sexual health education that includes and addresses the diverse needs of LGBTQ+ individuals. Creating safe spaces where individuals feel comfortable seeking information, support, and healthcare services without fear of judgment is imperative. Fostering a culture of openness, acceptance, and support within families, educational institutions, and society at large can also significantly reduce the stigma associated with non-heteronormative sexualities and create an environment where individuals feel empowered to seek help without fear of retribution or ostracization.

Furthermore, the rights of people who use drugs is something that is not necessarily discussed actively in India. People who use drugs deserve the same level of mental health support, and a chance for safe and non-judgmental spaces for rehabilitation if they request it. Treating people who use drugs with the lens of human rights, rather than through punitive measures  is something that we can push for. This involves actively engaging with various stakeholders, police officials, judiciary, healthcare professionals, religious leaders, and political leaders.

Let’s be frank, the phenomenon of chemsex is not going anyway. What we can do, however, is reduce the harm associated with it. These harm reduction measures can include information about safe and clean needles for injecting drug sers,harm reduction centers available where drugs are tested for efficacy and counsellors are trained  to avoid persons on overdosing, and making sure there is an open dialogue with colleges and young people regarding harm reduction measures that can save countless lives.

Furthermore, advocating for policies that protect the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals, including access to mental health support and substance abuse rehabilitation, is essential. Training healthcare professionals to provide non-discriminatory care and understanding the intersectional challenges faced by different segments of the LGBTQ+ community are pivotal steps toward creating a more inclusive and supportive environment.

 

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