Statement on the passing of David Stuart

Our rainbow is shining less bright today on news of the passing of David Stuart. 

David was a driving force behind the establishment of chemsex support services. For the last eight years, he led those support programs at 56 Dean Street in London, UK. David’s collaborative and ground-breaking efforts led to the establishment of the European Chemsex Forum and an international network of chemsex responders, which the GMSH was fortunate to be a part of. He supported and strengthened our work over the years, beginning with a keynote session on chemsex at our 2017 provincial conference. Since then, David continued to be an inspiring force in our work on chemsex, always willing to lend his knowledge, expertise, and kindness in service to gay men. 

David’s contributions as an advocate, campaigner, educator, and support worker have contributed to deep and meaningful understandings of the role that substances play in our lives and our inherent quests for intimacy and connection. The GMSH team mourns this sudden loss of our friend and collaborator, alongside countless other organizations, service providers, and queer people around the world.