Chemsex-Free Sex Parties: What 'Sober Cruising' Means for Gay Health

Sober sex parties are gaining ground in gay communities. What does the rise of drug-free cruising mean for sexual health and HIV prevention? A new trend is emerging in gay nightlife: sex parties without drugs or alcohol. Organisers in Paris, Berlin and Amsterdam call them sober cruising or partouzes bio . The events are a direct response to chemsex, the use of drugs like crystal meth, GHB and mephedrone during sex. Health experts see the trend as a positive shift, but warn that the underlying risks of chemsex remain a serious public health issue. What is chemsex and why is it a health concern? Chemsex refers to sex under the influence of specific drugs. The most common are crystal…