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Chemstories – a podcast about PnP/chemsex (English-language edition)
Chemstories – a podcast about PnP/chemsex (English-language edition) episodes
- 03. YYZ Sagacity-Pt. 2 — Party People
Investigator Olivier and Bradley explore the specific nuances of Toronto’s party community. They discuss the city's unique activism, the politics of harm reduction, and the definition of community itself as the ultimate resource. Bradley reflects on the courage required to share personal stories in a stigmatized world, emphasizing how authentic narratives foster empathy and challenge the dominant "war on drugs" mindset.
If you’re looking for support, please explore our list of Chemsex resources/services.🔗 Other Resources Mentioned
- Chemstories.ca: The central hub for the project and resources.
- Université de Montréal (School of Public Health): The academic home of the research project led by Olivier Ferlatte.
23 min - 02. YYZ Sagacity-Pt. 1 — Hey Bradley
Investigator Olivier introduces Toronto host Bradley to unpack the complexities surrounding PnP/chemsex. Moving beyond medical or criminal definitions, they discuss the necessity of centering lived experience to challenge deep-seated stigmas. Bradley shares his personal journey and graduate research on "slam sex," reframing it as a site of community care rather than just risk. Together, they challenge the misconception that "chemsex is a stupid thing done by stupid people," exploring how storytelling can dismantle judgment and foster a nuanced understanding of connection.
If you’re looking for support, please explore our list of Chemsex resources/services.🔗 Other Resources Mentioned
- Toni Morrison: Cited by Bradley as an inspiration ("If you don't see yourself in what you're reading, write your own story").
- Michel Foucault: Philosophically referenced regarding power and control.
26 min - 01. YYZ Prelude — Why It's Important, Toronto
In this prelude to the Toronto series, Principal Investigator Olivier Ferlatte introduces Toronto host Bradley and a diverse group of guests—Brian, Jordan, Matthew, Reid, Christoph, Edwin, and Tyler. Together, they explore the central question of this podcast series: Why is it important for people with lived experience of PnP/chemsex to tell their own stories in their own words? The conversation highlights the power of unfiltered narratives to break down stigma, build community, and foster authentic connection, setting the stage for the deep dives to come.
If you’re looking for support, please explore our list of Chemsex resources/services.🔗 Other Resources Mentioned- Chemstories.ca: The central hub for the project and resources.
- Université de Montréal (School of Public Health): The academic home of the research project led by Olivier Ferlatte.
16 min
About Chemstories – a podcast about PnP/chemsex (English-language edition)
From the publisher's feed
Chemstories is a podcast series created by gay, bisexual, queer men, as well as trans and non-binary people who wish to share their experiences related to chemsex*.
For Chemstories, we worked for over a year with our editorial board made up of individuals with firsthand experience of chemsex. Three members even became hosts for group discussions in their respective cities—Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax—whom you will meet in the upcoming episodes. From the very beginning, it was essential that this podcast be truly by and for the community.
But Chemstories is more than a podcast — it’s the result of a collaborative investigation into the lived realities of chemsex. Together, we set out to explore one central question: "Why is it important for people with lived experience of PnP/chemsex to tell their stories in their own words?"
This question came directly from our editorial board. They saw it as vital — because too often, people with lived experience have been silenced, stigmatized, or spoken about rather than with. Through Chemstories, they take back that space — to speak for themselves, and to be heard. So thank you for listening.
The views expressed in this podcast reflect personal experiences and opinions. Chemstories addresses themes that may be sensitive for some listeners.
For a list of support resources, visit: https://qollab.ca/en/ressources-services-chemsex/
Visit our website: chemstories.ca and contact us at [email protected]
* “Chemsex” is a contraction of “chemical” and “sex.” It refers to the use of illicit drugs with the intention of having sex, primarily within GBTQ+ communities. It is also known as Party’n’Play (PnP).
Chemstory is a research project approved by the ethics committee of the Université de Montréal (CERSES-20-157-D). Chemstory is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. The testimonies shared in this podcast reflect individual experiences and personal opinions. Your own experiences and opinions may differ from those expressed here.