…yes, let’s. Drugs and sex seem to be two of the biggest taboos when it comes to open discussion, yet they are two of the most prevalent activities occurring in gay society; especially in relation with each other. So, rightly so, Patrick Cash (deputy editor of QX magazine) created this monthly event with the support of David Stuart and his team at 56 Dean Street. The first two events have been filmed by VICE magazine and now Attitude magazine are in full support of it too. By why? Why is there such a fuss over an event like this?
The answer is for an number of reasons. The stories, anecdotes, speeches, and poetry that come from the speakers range from funny, to emotional to powerful. Everybody has a different voice which they use to express an opinion or point for 5 minutes (each person only gets that limit of time). Whether participants took to the stage or not, there was one thing that everybody was in agreement on; the evening had been somewhat of an eye-opener. A couple of stories portrayed awe-inducing, inspirational, touching and perhaps above all brave tales of how people had battled with drug addiction and erratic sexual behaviour.
So when Patrick asked me to read for the event I pondered for a while about what I’d say. Obviously, the topic of “sex and drugs” ties in undoubtedly with this blog, so it did make sense. But I didn’t wanna get up and tell a tale about being so drug-fucked I didn’t know what I was doing, I wanted to do something light-hearted. In the end I decided to read a poem that was loosely based on these two blogs:
> Chasing the High: When Is It Time To Stop?
> Fighting The Vacuum And The Allure Of The Gay Scene
The response was beautiful and only went to show that the evening wasn’t just a “free counselling” session for cathartics and getting shit off your chest, as it may have been perceived. It was about freedom of speech, showcasing of talent, supporting one another and speaking out against lifestyles we know aren’t healthy but partake in anyway.
An estimated 41, 100 gay men in the UK were living with HIV last year; how many of those were related to relations that took part while high? It’s impossible to say, but one thing is sure, comedowns aren’t the only side effect of using drugs; there can sometimes be a knock-on effect that isn’t as instantaneous as that.
If you’d like to read something, speak from the top of your head or just grab a drink and listen. Feel free to come along to the next event at Manbar (69 Charing Cross Road) on the 9th June. Full details can be found by clicking on the banner to the ride hand side.
When we enjoy the social aspect of our lives in can be easy to get caught up in it all, what this event does is bring things into perspective. Sure, you may not leave changed, and sure you may not want to leave changed, but there are things happening that do need to be talked about; and by look at how our community sees drugs – and their relationship with sex – we can perhaps lessen the damage they are having. It’s an education that we can’t afford to avoid any longer; not if we want things to get better anyway.
