What is Chemsex?

Chemsex, also known as Party n Play or PnP, is a term that comes from the London gay club scene of the 90’s. At the time it was a term specific to gay men, and referred to using stimulants (usually meth) with other euphoria inducing drugs (usually ghb) in combination with sex in a party setting. As the practice became a cultural movement, it shifted from the clubs to bathhouses, adult bookstores, and other more private scenes where sex and drug use could be the main focus.

Now, Chemsex is deeply imbedded in queer culture and has grown to include the whole spectrum of LGBTQ+ folks as well as straight identified men who have sex with men. Other substances like ketamine and ecstasy are often involved, but meth is usually still the primary drug of choice. The biggest change has been hookup apps becoming the primary method of people finding sex partners and drug connections, as opposed to cruising and circuit parties.

Other folks, not LGBTQ+ identified, also use substances, including meth, in casual sex and party situations, but a big part of Chemsex is in the specificity of the culture and how it both benefits and harms LGBTQ+ communities.