This 2-hour workshop will explore what chemsex is and why LGBTQ+ people might engage in it. You will learn about the potential risks involved and the importance of safety and consent in chemsex environments.
Objectives:
About the faciliators:
Marc Svensson of You Are Loved
Marc Svensson is a published social psychologist and a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ mental health. He is the founder of You Are Loved, a non-profit organisation established in 2024 to raise awareness about the high rates of sudden premature deaths in the LGBTQ+ community from suicide and drugs. The organisation creates space for LGBTQ+ people to talk, share and support each other. Marc is a respected speaker and advocate, frequently addressing issues related to queer mental health and chemsex, as well as the impact of stigma, shame, and loneliness. He appeared in the ITVX news documentary After the High: Chemsex, Beyond the Myths.
Megan Walsh and Teddy Carter of Turning Point LSL Sexual Wellbeing
Megan and Teddy are sexual health practitioners at Turning Point. They both work on the Adults LSL Sexual Wellbeing Project which aims to support various communities across the boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham to access sexual health care and have support with their sexual wellbeing. Megan and Teddy each have a background in working with queer communities on topics of sexual health and wellbeing, and they are excited to be taking that expertise and applying it to the topic of Chemsex, Safety and Consent with You Are Loved and Queer Minds.
About Queer Minds:
Queer Minds is a peer support service for LGBTQIA+ people (aged 18+) who live, work or play in Lambeth and Southwark. This group is by us, for us and is for those who are looking to connect with others. We currently run two monthly peer support groups. a trans drop-in group, and various workshops and activities with partner organisations. We engage in discussions and activities around topics that the group wants to explore, which has included depression and anxiety, building support networks, neurodivergence, and coping skills for trauma and (C)PTSD. You can find more information about the group on the Queer Minds website: selmind.org.uk/queermindsls.
Thank you to Lambeth Links for funding our Lambeth group and this series of psychoeducational workshops.
The 3Space ground floor is wheelchair accessible with step-free access. Ground floor toilets are gender neutral and wheelchair accessible.
If you have any questions or accessibility needs, please email queermindsls@selmind.org.uk.