Our Safe Spaces Are Under Threat. Also Because of Us.

Dear community,

What I'm about to say probably won't make me popular with everyone, but it needs to be said.

Our community, especially our clubs, bars and other safe spaces, is under threat. During Pride and festival season, it's impossible to ignore the growing problem of excessive drug use. The rapid rise of GHB is putting some of the few places where LGBTQIA+ people can truly feel safe at risk.

I've been part of the queer and kink community for many years, and I've seen more and more people turn to drugs during chemsex parties or simply to lower their inhibitions. Drug use has always existed in our community for many different reasons, including self expression and self discovery.

Some people practice harm reduction. They know what they're taking, understand dosages, have a trusted buddy looking after them and take responsibility if something goes wrong.

But an increasing number of people are no longer taking GHB or other drugs to step over a small hurdle. They're jumping off a skyscraper.

Over the past few weeks, several close friends and I have repeatedly had to help people suffering overdoses in queer venues. Each time it involved dangerous combinations of GHB, other drugs, poppers and alcohol, consumed without any awareness of personal limits.

When you mix multiple substances, one plus one plus one doesn't equal three. It multiplies the risks dramatically. Eventually you lose all control, placing not only yourself at risk but also your friends, venue staff and everyone else who suddenly becomes responsible for your safety.

And if, after recovering, you blame your friends for your overdose instead of accepting responsibility, it's time to recognize that professional help is needed.

Venue owners also have an important role to play. Many display posters warning about GHB, yet too often those policies are not enforced. As long as drug use remains out of sight, it is tolerated. That tolerance allows the problem to grow.

Club owners should be willing to temporarily ban people who repeatedly endanger themselves and others. Losing a handful of customers is far less damaging than losing a venue's reputation or facing closure after a serious incident.

Our community faces attacks from outside, but we also face challenges from within.

Let's take responsibility. Stay informed, reduce risks, look after each other and protect the spaces that allow us to be ourselves.

I hope we can continue enjoying our clubs, festivals and Pride events for many years to come. That will only happen if we all work together to protect them.

Have a safe and enjoyable Pride and festival season.

Marc Dirix

Publisher Gaylive