Former Wales rugby captain Gareth Thomas is spearheading a new initiative to address the hidden chemsex crisis within the UK's LGBTQ+ community. The campaign, launched by Grindr for Equality in partnership with the charity You Are Loved, aims to break the silence around drug use and mental health issues that are often stigmatised in queer spaces.
Chemsex, the use of specific drugs to enhance sexual experiences, has become deeply embedded in parts of the gay social scene. New research by Grindr and You Are Loved reveals that one in five (19%) LGBTQ+ individuals have lost someone to a drug-related death. Despite this, nearly two-thirds (63%) of the community say the issue remains heavily stigmatised, with over a quarter (28%) reporting having sex while using drugs in the past year.
“For too long, people have hidden their struggles for fear of being judged, and that silence fuels a negative cycle of shame and harm,” said Gareth Thomas. “No one should feel ashamed to speak out or ask for help. If we start having more open conversations then the stigma starts to break down and ultimately, we can not only change lives but save them.”
The initiative, titled Out in the Open, includes a content series featuring voices from broadcaster Paris Lees, poet Kaidan Ford, and experts from Switchboard and the Voda wellbeing app. It explores the drivers of chemsex, including cultural norms around sex (29%), loneliness and lack of safe spaces (27%), and pressure within the gay community (27%).
Grindr is integrating direct links to mental health support within its app, directing users to You Are Loved and Switchboard. Marc Svensson, CEO of You Are Loved, said: “This partnership marks an important step forward for the LGBTQ+ community. We’re proud to be working with Grindr to bring these conversations into the open and, for the first time in the UK, provide accessible mental wellbeing support directly within the app.”
The call for action comes as 40% of LGBTQ+ people demand improved access to addiction treatment and more inclusive mental health care. Mohan Sundararaj, Managing Director of Grindr for Equality, added: “We reach millions of LGBTQ+ people every day, and that comes with a clear opportunity: to challenge stigma by opening up conversations and connecting people to support that is accessible and judgment-free.”
