Sexualized Drug Use and Online Technologies: Examining the Negotiations and Practices of Gay, Bisexual and Men Who Have Sex with Men

Abstract

Within the health literature for gay, bi, and trans men sexualized drug use is often positioned as only a sexual health risk. This research utilized netnography to examine the ways men use technologies to negotiate SDU and their sexual health. Participants were recruited from three Canadian cites to participate in semi-structured interviews. Fifty interviews were completed. Foucauldian discourse analysis was used to analyze data. Participants described negotiating practices, through the ethics and politics of sex, communicating pleasures, and reducing harm. Findings suggests that sexualized drug use is more than just a sexual health risk. Implications for service providers are explored.