Report highlights drug-related harm in London's LGBTQ+ community

More than a quarter of LGBTQ+ people surveyed in London say they have lost someone to a drug-related death in the past five years.

The recent publication by You Are Loved CIC has brought critical insights into drug-related harm within the LGBTQ+ community in London, a call to action for policymakers and community leaders to address these pressing issues.

The report, produced in collaboration with the boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark, and Lewisham, reveals widespread drug use among LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly concerning the drugs GHB/GBL, crystal meth, and mephedrone, which are frequently linked to chemsex.

Gathering data from 1,156 LGBTQ+ individuals, the study's findings illuminate the pervasive nature of chemsex across London's 32 boroughs.

High concentrations of usage are noted in areas with prominent LGBTQ+ populations, raising concerns about the societal and personal impacts.

In particular, chemsex drug users reported their usage as problematic at a notable rate - double that of other substance users.

The report highlights a prevalent trend of polydrug use among these individuals, intensifying the risk factors associated with their habits.

Examining the distinct risk profiles for each of the three major chemsex drugs, the survey reveals crystal meth usage is heavily solitary and associated with significant harm perception.

Meanwhile, GHB/GBL presents clear overdose risks, with users frequently experiencing unconsciousness due to its narrow dosing margin, particularly in social settings like clubs. Mephedrone, though often socially integrated, carries its own concerns, further normalising risky behavior in everyday situations.

The lasting impact of COVID-19 features prominently in the data, with a sharp increase in drug use during the pandemic, particularly among those using chemsex drugs.

With 41% of these users reporting elevated usage during lockdowns, the shift towards private spaces for drug consumption is evident, posing challenges in accessing informal oversight and increasing the likelihood of unnoticed harm.

Marc Svensson, founder and director, said: “These drugs aren’t interchangeable, and GHB/GBL and crystal meth are causing the most harm.

"A third of respondents are also telling us that chemsex isn’t a word they use about themselves.

"We must listen to both of those things when we design support.”

Calls for targeted action

Two thirds of survey participants flagged specific drugs as threats to community wellbeing, whilst the stigma surrounding drug use serves as a barrier, preventing individuals from seeking timely help due to fear of judgment from peers and services alike.

The authors are calling for immediate policy changes and increased commissioning for early intervention services.

You Are Loved CIC’s report is a clarion call for targeted action to combat the challenges posed by chemsex drug use within London’s LGBTQ+ community.

You can access the full report here.

You can read the Government's latest work on chemsex in the LGBTQ+ community on the gov.uk website.

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