New research: chemsex amongst transgender people in Amsterdam

In collaboration with Mainline, a new study conducted as part of the Master’s program in Social and Cultural Anthropology at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam sheds light on chemsex practices among transgender individuals in Amsterdam. The aim was to investigate the motivations, challenges, and experiences of transgender people in relation to chemsex in order to improve existing harm reduction services.

Influence of Identity on Chemsex Practices

The study investigates how transgender identity influences chemsex experiences and identifies risk and protective factors in this community. Findings reveal that drug use often serves as a means for transgender individuals to explore sexual boundaries and connect more deeply with their bodies. The research highlights the role of methamphetamine and GHB in facilitating less inhibited sexual experiences.

Recommendations urge the adaptation of existing support programs to better serve transgener individuals, fostering a more inclusive approach to harm reduction. The results of this research will be presented at the European Harm Reduction Conference in Warsaw this December.