Calendar of Events
Explore online and in-person events happening across Ontario.
Drug Use
Drugs are a part of life for many in the 2SGBTQ+ community, and each person’s relationship with them is unique. Whether it’s about pleasure, coping, connection, or curiosity, we believe that making informed choices about your health starts with access to clear, unbiased, and evidence-based information.
DISCLAIMER:
The GMSH doesn’t promote or encourage the use of illicit substances. We recognize that not using is one way to avoid risks, but we also know that many people choose to use for their own reasons. This resource supports safer choices across the spectrum of substance use – whether you are someone currently using, thinking about making changes, or looking to stop altogether. Our focus is on reducing harm and providing support without judgement.
Drugs Information
This section offers guidance on recreational drugs commonly used in our community—whether in the context of Party n’ Play (PnP), or in other spaces like backrooms, nightclubs, and house parties. Our goal is to support safer use, reduce harm, and empower you with knowledge, no matter where you are on your journey.
Understanding Drug, Set & Setting
Ever wonder why two people can take the same drug but have completely different experiences? It’s not just about the drug itself. How a substance affects someone also depends on…
Crystal Meth
(Methamphetamine, Tina, Meth) What It Is Crystal meth is a strong stimulant that looks like clear or white crystal shards. It has no smell and tastes bitter. In party n’…
GHB
(G, Gina, water) What It Is GHB is a strong depressant, often found as a clear, oily liquid. It can taste salty, sweet, or have no taste at all. Sometimes…
Erectile Dysfunction Agents
Erectile dysfunction agents are medicines used to help achieve and keep an erection for longer sexual encounters. You may know them by their generic names—sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil—or by brands…
Poppers
(Amyl Nitrates, Room Odours, Leather Cleaner) What It Is Poppers are fast-acting inhalants sold in small, colorful bottles labeled as “room odour” or “leather cleaner.” They’re used in party n’…
Ketamine
(K, Special K, Vitamin K) What It Is Ketamine is a strong anesthetic that shows up as a clear liquid or white powder. It’s used medically but also in party…
MDMA
(Ecstasy, Molly, M) What It Is MDMA is a synthetic drug that can make people feel energized, connected, and emotionally open. It’s often used in party n’ play (PnP) settings….
Cocaine
Powder (Soft, Blow, Coke, Snow)Crack (Rock, Hard) What It Is Cocaine is a stimulant drug that usually comes as a fine white or off-white powder. It’s often used in party…
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a very strong opioid that you cannot smell or taste. It usually looks like a white powder or comes in pill form. Even a tiny amount of fentanyl…
Overdose Prevention
Overdose (and its cousin, overamping) can happen to anyone. Even if it’s not life-threatening, someone can still have a scary or harmful reaction that may require support or medical attention.
This section explains three types of overdose-like emergencies and how to respond to them:
- Opioid overdose
- G-ing out (an overdose of GHB/GBL/ BDO)
- Overamping (a stimulant-related “overdose”)
Knowing how to respond can save a life -yours or someone else’s
Overdose Response
Responding to an Overdose Knowing how to spot the signs of an overdose and how to respond appropriately to it are critical to saving someone’s life. We break down three…
G-Overdose
G-Overdose aka “G-ing Out” Substances:: GHB, GBL, BDO What to look for: Sudden passing out/nodding off Slow breathing or snoring sounds Vomiting while unconscious Seizures or jerky movements Does not…
Overamping on Stimulants
Overamping on Stimulants Substances: Crystal meth, cocaine, MDMA What to look for: Racing heart or chest pain Overheating or sweating heavily Panic, paranoia, or confusion Seizures or collapse What to…
Helping During a Seizure
Helping During a Seizure If someone starts to seize: Gently support their head Turn them on their side Don’t hold them down or put anything in their mouth Stay with…
Bad Trips
Supporting a Bad Trip Sometimes, drugs can give rise to feelings of fear, confusion, or paranoia. If someone’s having a bad trip: Stay calm and sit with them Don’t argue…
PnP and Mental Health
Drugs can change how we feel—and when they make us feel good we can relax and enjoy the party. But sometimes, things shift: anxiety creeps in, moods drop, or reality starts to feel off.
This section explains how drugs impact your mental health, mood and thinking. We have included a section on psychosis as well, and how to effectively respond to it in our communities that does not further criminalize those in crisis.
Drugs & Mental Health
PnP & Mental Health Drugs used during party n’ play (PnP) affect the brain. The pleasure you feel when high comes from how these substances interact with brain chemicals—called neurotransmitters…
Psychosis
What Is Psychosis Psychosis is when someone loses touch with reality. It can include: Believing things that aren’t true (delusions) Seeing or hearing things that others don’t (hallucinations) Psychosis is…
Responding to Psychosis
There are ways that you can respond to a friend or hook-up in psychosis that are practical, non-judgemental and within most people’s ability to do. Introduction to the Responding With…
Video Stories
The power of a person’s story to change our perspective on a topic like party n’play cannot be underestimated. This section includes first person profiles of real guys in the community telling their stories, and compilations arranged around topics that intersect with PnP. There is something relatable about each video, yet none of the stories are the same. Watch all the videos, or just the ones that speak to your experiences or questions and allow yourself to never look at party n’ play the same way again.
Note: With gratitude and thanks to the guys who participated in these videos. Your courage and leadership are truly inspiring.
Racialized Guys & PnP
When stigma, racism, and cultural pressures intersect with party n’ play, the impact on racialized men is profound. Colin and Shazad speak openly about navigating a gay culture that often…
PnP & Gender Identity
PnP has not always welcomed those whose gender presentation doesn’t fit the masc-for-masc stereotype. Mike speaks to the unease and code-switching they engage in, while Jordan recalls hiding their gender identity for acceptance. The…
PNP & HIV/AIDS
Participants discuss how HIV and PnP intersect in their lives. Jordan recalls fear-based tactics from doctors that pushed them away from care, while Guy describes rejection in online spaces. Colin…
Why Party?
Why do guys party? Too often, the answer is reduced to trauma or self-loathing. This video reveals a more complex reality. While challenges exist, PnP can also bring joy, connection,…
Pleasure, Intimacy & PnP
There is no party n’ play without the play—sex, intimacy, and pleasure are at its heart. Mike reminds us that enjoying sex is nothing to be ashamed of; for them, it’s release…
Stigma
In this video, participants share how stigma shapes their lives and relationships. They challenge biases and homophobia while showing the resilience of guys who party n’ play. No matter where…
Tips for Healthcare Workers
This video highlights unconscious bias faced by 2SGBTQ+ men who use drugs. Participants share stories of being labelled “addicts” or having drug use overshadow unrelated health concerns, creating barriers to…
Showing Care
“I care about the guys I party with. I don’t like them all, but I care about them…” Jordan announces at the start of this video, which explores how guys who PnP support one…
PNP In Our Own Words
Real stories from queer folks who’ve experienced party n’ play (PnP)—whether it was part of their nightlife or something they’ve moved on from. Each person shares honestly about what PnP meant to them, what they’ve learned,…
Partying Safely
Partying safely is more than just knowing about drugs and how to have safer sex. It’s also about being mindful and aware of our moods, emotions, and thoughts so we can spot trouble on the horizon and come up with solutions that we know we can act on.
In this section, we discuss the skills you need to keep your partying safe and enjoyable, as well as how to know when you should seek outside support:
- Limits Vs Boundaries
- Consent, Sexual Assault and Your ”Get Out Plan”
- Managing The Comedown
- Seeking Support
Limits and Boundaries
Knowing when to call it a night—or what to say when someone’s making you feel uncomfortable—can be tough, especially when you’re high. It’s not always easy to speak up or…
Drugs & Consent
PnP and Consent Because these drugs can affect how we think and behave, it’s harder to make clear decisions or give verbal consent when we’re partying. In fact, in party…
Managing the Comedown
After the high comes the crash. Feeling sluggish, sad, cranky, or sick for a few days is totally normal. How rough it gets depends on: What you took How much…
Supporting a Friend or Loved One
For many guys, Party and Play (PnP) is more than just partying—it’s a way to feel pleasure, closeness, and real connection. But too often, people only see the risks and…
Partying When Poz
Partying Poz For many HIV positive people, the party n’ play (PnP) scene offers connection,pleasure and non-judgement. It’s a community where being poz is normalized and even celebrated. And while…
Drugs & Your Healthcare
For many of us, a family doctor or nurse practitioner is our first stop for health care. In this section we are sharing how to navigate the healthcare system and obtain the judgment free care & support you deserve.
Making Changes
Sometimes, our relationship with drugs changes and we find ourselves asking if maybe we need to take a breather, reduce how often we get high or stop altogether. In this section, we tackle the ins and outs of making changes be they big or small.
Seeking Support
Sometimes we may be confronted with the fact that what was once fun and consequence-free partying has now become a daily habit, or worse, something that is dragging down our…
Transitioning to Sober Sex
If you’ve been used to Party and Play (PnP), switching to sober sex can feel unfamiliar—even a little dull at first. But with a few simple shifts, you can rediscover…
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Resources
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