What is chemsex?

Page last reviewed 25.8.2026

Chemsex is a subculture that has emerged within communities of gay and bisexual men and trans people. Chemsex involves taking drugs in connection with and for the purpose of having sex.

Chemsex refers to the intentional use of drugs for the purpose of enhancing or enabling sexual activity. What is essential in defining chemsex is the purpose behind the drug use. Substance use such as drugs may lead to sexual activity in different situations, but during chemsex, drugs are deliberately taken for the purpose of having sex. Chemsex culture has emerged within gay and bisexual men’s communities as well as gender minority communities, particularly in the context of sex between men.

Chemsex culture has emerged within gay and bisexual men’s communities as well as gender minority communities, particularly in the context of sex between men. Although other groups of people may also participate in chemsex, these communities remain a central part of chemsex culture and its history.

In Finland, chemsex can also be referred to using terms such as “kemseksi” and “kamaseksi”. Situations or events involving chemsex may also be called sessions or chill-outs. Internationally, particularly in dating apps, chemsex may be referred to using terms such as party & play (PnP) and high & horny (HnH). Interest in chemsex may also be indicated by using emojis such as diamonds, snowflakes, rockets, or party symbols.

Using substances for sexual and social purposes is not a new phenomenon. Research shows that various drugs have been used also in connection with or for the purpose of sex between men long before the term chemsex was introduced.

Why is chemsex appealing?

People may engage in chemsex for a variety of reasons. Chemsex can be a way of reducing sexual inhibitions or shyness, boosting self-confidence, enhancing sexual pleasure and endurance, or exploring personal fantasies and preferences.

Chemsex culture and substances are often experienced as making sex more intense and pleasurable. Physically, substances may enhance sexual desire and stamina, and on a psychological level they may help overcome personal inhibitions and reduce insecurities. Substances can influence sex to feel qualitatively better by enhancing sexual sensations as well as feelings of attraction, desirability and closeness. For some people, substances may enable having the kind of sex they want but wouldn’t necessarily have without them. The result can be longer-lasting, more varied and more adventurous sex than might feel possible when sober.

Chemsex culture has developed within sexual and gender minority communities. This may relate to the societal position of these groups, as well as the continued influence of gender norms and heteronormativity. Norms related to sexuality and gender may restrict safe expression of one’s identity, sexual orientation or gender in everyday environments. Substance use and partying can offer ways to come together as a community and to be oneself without shame.

In some cases, substances are also used in attempts to cope with or numb difficult feelings and experiences, such as minority stress or discrimination. The higher prevalence of HIV in gay communities, especially along with the stigma and historical burden associated with HIV, may also have contributed to the emergence of chemsex.

Chemsex culture

People of different gender identities and sexual orientations may take part in chemsex culture. However, it still most commonly occurs in the context of sex between men.

Chemsex often takes place in settings where sexual encounters and group sex are possible, and partners can be changed easily. These can include chemsex-specific parties and gatherings in private residences, sex clubs and events, saunas, back rooms of clubs and video venues.

Chemsex has increasingly become more popular over recent decades in the gay and bisexual men’s communities of major cities and popular travel destinations. However, exact data on its prevalence is limited. This is partly due to difficulties in defining chemsex, the illegal status of many substances used, and the stigma associated with chemsex. According to various studies, around 13–29 % of gay and bisexual men in Western Europe had engaged in chemsex at some point in their lives. There is even less information available about transgender and non-binary people. However, a study conducted in Denmark found that around 40 % of transgender people had engaged in sexualised drug use at some point in their lives.

There are also indications of increasing chemsex activity among sexual and gender minorities in Finland, although it remains less common than in major European or US cities.