The Brighton Time to talk project is an idea inspired by the Let’s talk about gay sex and drugs project in London which began as a response to a rise in heavy drug use, HIV and hep-c transmission in the capital.
It’s clear that the LGBT+ communities in Brighton & Hove are very divided about drug use, sexual behaviours and organisers say: “maybe its Time to talk about it.”
Dexter says the aims of holding such an event are too many to list…. but, he and his 15 strong steering committee, want to create an entertaining poignant, funny, honest evening with a mixture of speakers broken up with DJs playing music.
Their focus is to open up an honest dialogue about drug use, sexual habits, behaviours and expressions. To create a supportive environment where open, real discussion is promoted and allowed, without judgement. A space where guest speakers can share their thoughts and community members can share their experiences should they choose to volunteer to do so.
A kind of ‘Open Mic’ night to try to unravel what is fast becoming a worrying epidemic of self harm in the city’s LGBT+ communities.
Although the buzzword ‘chemsex’ is prolific in the gay male communities across the city and organisers aim to encourage this demographic to attend, it is important that any member of the Brighton communities feel welcome to be part of it. Gay, straight, lesbian, queer, men, women and trans people have all encountered sex and drugs at some time.
A spokesperson for the steering group, said: “Together, if we can make it seem normal to openly discuss the highs and lows of personal experience, our insecurities, our good and our bad choices, we could be doing something to help encourage our communities to make better choices about how they explore sex and drugs.”
Event: Time to Talk
Where: Subline, 129 St James’s Street, Brighton, BN2 1TF
When: Thursday, May 25
Time: 8pm-10.30pm
Cost: Free entry
For latest information about the project, click here:
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