Chemstories – a podcast about PnP/chemsex (English-language edition)

The conversation dives deep into the hierarchies and double standards within the party community—specifically the stigma surrounding "slamming" (injecting) versus smoking or snorting. Edwin introduces the concept of the "street nurse" or "admin"—a role he plays to ensure safety and aftercare for others—while the group debates the ethics of intervening when a fellow partier is struggling. They also tackle the internal work required to maintain integrity while using, discussing strategies like taking significant breaks to rediscover hobbies or refusing to keep supplies at home. Ultimately, the episode underscores that while drugs may be part of a history, they do not define a person's humanity. If you’re looking for support, please explore our list of Chemsex resources/services.

In this bonus leg of the Wisdom flight, the conversation turns to the "velvet mourning" of widowhood. Matthew discusses the tragic loss of his partner to an overdose, while Reid recounts the isolation of grieving a partner of nine years who had never come out to his family—resulting in the erasure of their relationship at the funeral. The discussion explores navigating cumulative grief, from the AIDS crisis to the present, and how they find spiritual grounding. They conclude by reflecting on the necessity of boundaries and why disconnecting from the "using" community was vital for their well-being. If you’re looking for support, please explore our list of Chemsex resources/services. 🔗 Other Resources Mentioned "George Street": To read the full text of Matthew's poem.

The discussion shifts to the collision between chemsex and the criminal justice system. Reid recounts a harrowing false accusation of unlawful confinement that led to a terrifying detainment and a "negotiation with the universe" to quit meth. Meanwhile, Matthew shares the stark reality of spending 383 days in prison following an HIV non-disclosure charge. The episode examines the lasting trauma of incarceration, offering a critique of a system that criminalizes mental health and HIV status rather than offering support. If you’re looking for support, please explore our list of Chemsex resources/services. 🔗 Other Resources Mentioned Chemstories.ca: The central hub for the project and resources. HIV Legal Network: Contextually relevant regarding HIV non-disclosure laws (though not explicitly named in the snippet, it's the implied legal framework). Legal Aid Ontario: Implied through the discussion of navigating the court system.