Soooo...

I signed up to run the Red Run whilst raising funds for Controlling Chemsex, an amazing charity that helps the LGBTQ+ community manage boundaries with Chemsex.

In case you didn't know, Chemsex is a growing and concerning issue within London's LGBTQ+ community, posing significant health and social challenges. The term "Chemsex" refers to the practice of using drugs, particularly stimulants and psychoactive substances like crystal meth, GHB, and mephedrone, in combination with sexual activities. This risky behavior has been associated with a surge in sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, among gay and bisexual men in the city.

According to a study conducted by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, chemsex participants are five times more likely to contract HIV than non-participants. Furthermore, the normalization of this practice in some LGBTQ+ social circles has led to increased rates of addiction, mental health issues, and social isolation, exacerbating the challenges faced by the community. I believe, a collaborative effort between various organisations and the community is essential to mitigate the detrimental effects of Chemsex on London's LGBTQ+ population, that's why I'm supporting Controlling Chemsex this year.

I had the pleasure of marching with them this year at London Pride, made connections and found out more about their incredible work.If you, or someone you know is struggling with Chemsex, please contact them on https://controllingchemsex.com. Their services are confidential and online.