Increasingly, sexual encounters in the contemporary gay community are facilitated by online technologies (especially social networking websites and apps) as well as chemical substances (psychoactive drugs, prescription medications, steroids, etc.). The Wired Sex research project drew upon poststructural and queer theory to investigate the experiences of gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men (GBMSM) with sexualized drug use (SDU) online and in person. This framework allowed us to view the use of chemicals and virtual spaces as formative elements in men’s current experiences of pleasure and social connection, shaping how they understand sexuality, health, safety, and community. This community report presents the major themes from our research.

SDU is commonly practiced by GBMSM to experience elevated sexual experiences and escape inhibitions. Online technologies can be used to facilitate GBMSM’s access to sex and drugs. This has the potential to impact GBMSM’s sense of community in various ways. In some cases, online interactions can foster meaningful, long-lasting connections with other GBMSM and renew a sense of community. However, SDU and the use of online technologies can pose risks to those participating in it, such as problematic substance use, Sexually Transmitted and Blood Borne Infections (STBBIs), and increased risk-taking during sexual interactions.

The objective of the Wired Sex project was to better understand the impacts of online technologies and chemical substances on GBMSM—how they understand their bodies, their sexualities, their health, and their connections with each other. To achieve this, a scoping review was conducted to understand the current state of the literature. Next, relevant perspectives were gathered from frontline service providers (n=12) through interviews and GBMSM (n=50) through interviews and questionnaires. The results of this research may help inform community-based efforts to support the sexual health and safety of the GBMSM community.