How Queer Clubs Changed the Way We Take Drugs | News on Drugs

LGBTQ+ people tend to use drugs at significantly higher rates than straight people - why is this?
In this episode, we speak to Jay Jackson from Volteface to explore how queer culture and drug culture are deeply entwined, and how maybe all drugs could be considered queer.
Watch more from this series:
The War on Drugs is Designed to Discriminate
• The War on Drugs is De...
This is How We Legalize Weed
• This is How We Legaliz...
Why Portugal Decriminalized All Drugs
• Why Portugal Decrimina...
Help keep VICE News’ fearless reporting free for millions by making a one time or ongoing contribution here. - vice.com/contribute
Subscribe to VICE News here: bit.ly/Subscribe-to-VICE-News
Check out VICE News for more: vicenews.com
Follow VICE News here:
Facebook: / vicenews
Twitter: / vicenews
Tumblr: / vicenews
Instagram: / vicenews
More videos from the VICE network: www. vicevideo
#VICENews #News

[@VICENews]

WATCH NEXT: From Nazi soldiers on methamphetamine to Britain’s global narco empire, we explore how drugs made war, and how war made drugs. - kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2eml4ylgrV8iaM

[@sung4ji3]

I think this video failed to address the elephant in the room: What drugs? Weed? Psychedelics? Or more dangerous stuff like meth? Cocaine? Things that certainly put gay men at risk?

[@soton5teve]

Maybe change the screenshot to "Ket" rather than poppers lol

[@thedofflin]

This is the most Vice thing ever

[@brianbaker5590]

Here before this comment blows up

[@activatekruger446]

I’m so torn with Vice. One day you get epic mini documentaries about civil wars in Africa, and other days you get… this

[@yayayayya4731]

@@activatekruger446 true. Remember when they reported on the Libyan Wars?

[@GriseldaBSF410]

For sure. The title is outlandish

[@GriseldaBSF410]

@@yayayayya4731 no that was Trans labia wars

[@ec1480]

Vice really answering the questions no one is asking Edit/Context: The title used to be "Are All Drugs Gay?"

[@MrBurrana]

hahahahahahaa

[@moralfuxery]

The good thing tho about these kinds of stories is that I didn't know I needed to know this until they made this. But they're making valid points. In my opinion this is what journalism should strive to be. To illuminate the dark corners of life and show them to us all. It's important.

[@elohimtafari2249]

Dislike the vid then…

[@ec1480]

@@elohimtafari2249 CTRL + C, CTRL + P

[@RealMTBAddict]

Not answering anything

[@bwtjma183]

Vice news: “you do drugs? Thats.. kinda gay 🤨”

[@RealMTBAddict]

But my stepbrother is married to another man, doesn't do drugs at all. Yet I'm straight and smoke weed all day long. Hmm...

[@by9diz8]

@@RealMTBAddict You don't understand statistics. They have double the usage not all of the usage.

[@RealMTBAddict]

@@by9diz8 doubt it

[@donaldbell2554]

Yep....I knew it

[@Dantick09]

If you don’t take drugs you are not gay enough

[@aesyamazeli8804]

When your existence itself is taboo, you don't think other taboo things are actually taboo too.

[@bluepurplepink]

@nasser wiz People who claim to have morals do the worst things in the world. Look at the catholic church. Drug abuse has more to do with bad mental health as a result of constant harassment and discrimination LGBT people face.

[@mohamada2177]

@nasser wiz exactly

[@richardb2837]

@nasser wiz like Muslims?

[@Caterfree10]

See also: why kink and polyamory are LGBTQ subcultures, despite assimilationists’ crying.

[@ToastyCoClothing]

when you indulge in your every desire you indulge in your every desire

[@f.remplakowski]

It sometimes feels that even once you come out the other hostility you face is from other gay men themselves and that can feel worse as it’s meant to be your own community.

[@gonzoontheroad]

Can you give an example?

[@f.remplakowski]

@@gonzoontheroad I’d rather not, it’s well documented in books like Straight Jacket by Matthew Todd.

[@chilliecheesecake]

Yeeeeah I don't really identify with the alphabet community for that reason. Since I was 12 I've faced just as much abuse from them as I have heterosexuals

[@shalinitiwariscorner5210]

@@chilliecheesecake But homophobes are definitely gonna consider you as part of the " alphabet community" even though your own internalized homophobia has made you patch your childhood abusers with " homosexuals" just like how radfems demonize all men as " rapists". You should file case against your offenders or help other victims, instead of blaming millions of innocent people who haven't done wrong with you or anyone else.

[@shalinitiwariscorner5210]

@@f.remplakowski Every published book is not fact. You may consider bullying, machismo, craze for drugs, loneliness & mockery of virgin guys or guys who don't want sex is a men' s issue. Straight guys face it even worse but they don't demonize other straight men for the misfortunes just as often as gay men do. Every community is diverse. Look at a national community and a family, both have huge diversity in terms of choices, experiences, good & bad habits.

[@myamdane6895]

Nobody can parody Vice better than Vice

[@myamdane6895]

@KEENG LOUIE ?

[@matt0mattic]

pea pea brain

[@bluepurplepink]

You live in an echo chamber

[@user-rm1lm3rt7e]

Why are you here thats that's so bizarre

[@myamdane6895]

@@user-rm1lm3rt7e ??

[@tanner293]

I think most of the time is much more simple, gays tend to have more free time to party, less responsibilities since the majority has no kids, they tend to live in cities where they are more accepted but where drug accessibility is higher. Talking for direct experience

[@ithinkiknowme6450]

I also think a lot of them go through trauma by being shamed for their existence and other mental health factors…

[@anacmarulanda]

⁠And the trauma makes them more vulnerable to desiring escapism and liberation, agree it’s quite simple.

[@issyangelprice]

This doc is great, I don't know what people's problem is. If you actually watch the vid it's very obvious they're not saying that any drug use 'is gay'- and it's a fascinating look into the diverse different reasons for drug use in the lgbtqia+ community, the commonalities of experience between drug use and being queer, and the historical ties between drugs and the queer community. People are so affronted whenever anything is explicitly and unapologetically queer- whether you like it or not, our history and our culture is vital and important and deserving of discussion and analysis. So stop being so butthurt and either listen with an open mind or gtfo, this isn't for you

[@farettig]

Sadly I think many didn’t finish the video and hear the clear distinction the Guest made about which drugs are within their view of being “queer”. Definitely a great video from Vice and has changed my perspective on how I look at the party drug scene.

[@uriustosh]

The main speaker contradicts himself constantly, it's not a very good premise he present. It's mostly a self serving narrative.

[@maedesmond2461]

I agree, people are just always the saltiest in vice comments. I thought that was a great vid

[@mellitrom629]

yeah so fascinating that they have to shoot up meth to get prepped for all night butt sex

[@Neighborhoodcarpetcleaners]

Haha butt hurt

[@ryn2844]

Tbh it's kind of hard for me to take any discussion of drugs seriously when we still don't consider alcohol a drug despite it qualifiying in every way except socially. And then oops suddenly straight people partake quite a bit more than is presented here.

[@chriswaltemath6037]

Or nicotine

[@Benni777]

Yeah, and coffee is a drug too. But it’s legal 🤷🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

[@atrailmckinley4786]

I agree.

[@uns33n]

It's about partaking in taboo and discovering that many taboos are bullshit. Then you decide all taboos may be bullshit. This leads to experimentation and exploration, which can have amazingly positive outcomes or horrifically tragic ones.

[@TheebX92]

Do you consider Coffee/Tea a drug?

[@whatevs1700]

I’m gay but I don’t understand the glorification of gay drug use as though it’s amazing because it is subversive. It is incideous and causes a lot of damage to those that get hooked. I have seen a number of good looking young guys either die or addle their brains real bad. One guy I kinda knew (friend of a friend) was the hottest guy in town in his 20s hanging with the in crowd and doing party drugs and by his 40s he had become so thin and grey looking while talking nonsense and sitting by the bar by himself with no friends. I didn’t recognise him until a friend told me who it was. I was shocked and saddened to see such a promising life thrown away.

[@lit_for_20]

gonna go out on a lim here: drugs won't and have never cared about the users sexual preferences

[@mlleariane6667]

Good to see you haven't watched the video

[@clntmagee]

Brave of you

[@xyzyzx1253]

Gonna go out on a limb here* maybe it’s a bit more complicated than that? Who knows 🙄

[@yungjoemighty879]

drug popularity is controlled by users

[@samstone6597]

Never realized drugs can care 😂😂

[@matthewlane518]

Don't forget these substances make straight sex better too! Not that a LGBTQ+ person should feel any shame anyway, if it wasn't for the social stigma that they feel they wouldn't feel unnecessary shame for the way they were made

[@ithinkiknowme6450]

Exactly

[@gexotics4632]

Them feeling ashamed is beyond social stigma it has to do with their inner feeling or believing in something wrong and they know it. If it was natural they wouldn’t have to come out for it!!!

[@bigfrankfraser1391]

i know poppers work, its why i have 8 kids

[@vicdog4440]

NEITHER gay people OR straight people should "have to use drugs to make sex better". That sounds like an excuse to use drugs. It's sad.

[@matthewlane518]

No I completely agree I'm just making the point that it's not just a problem for gay people but straight bi or whatever it's the same, and of course it can prolong sex and all that, it don't make it right, I just don't like making it seem like it's a gay thing

[@Benni777]

The title is like, “really, Vice?” And the video is like, “well, you could’ve titled the video a little better.” 🤷🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

[@TheCullousus]

Comments sections be like "Its Vice did you expect anything less?"

[@Benni777]

@@TheCullousus literally 🙄😮‍💨

[@deapthinker2066]

The Editor is not doing the journalist any favors with that title lol.

[@toddstarks226]

I had no idea I’m gay. 🤷‍♂️

[@namenl2205]

I'm gay, and this is typical for white men in the lgbtq+ community. Not lesbians lol.

[@myamdane6895]

Well the more you know!

[@paddymuppy]

Call Me babes 😘

[@vasectomyfail442]

If you ain’t gay, you gay.

[@T1tusCr0w]

Well you are 🧐 we’re all taking one for the team 🫤

[@vicdog4440]

I don't doubt that "trauma, rejection, stigmatization" so on, have been one factor in SOME gay men using drugs so often. But we have to start being honest with ourselves and realize, that MANY gay men just use drugs because we seem to love being "free and promiscuous". Using the "stigma" line as an excuse isn't gonna help gay men regain some MUCH NEEDED self respect to start being a little more respectful to themselves and other gay men. The time for "we have to be careful how we word things" has passed. We're never going to be seen as a respected part of society if we can't respect ourselves and other gay men.

[@thebeatles102998]

It's also worth noting this is not a "queer" issue, this is by and large an issue for gay and bisexual men and trans women. Bisexual and lesbian women are also stigmatized but we do not engage in drugs like "poppers" or molly or other party drugs. This is a largely male issue.

[@Nina-bp4lx]

I do and I'm a bisexual woman in a relationship with a man, it is less common (in my experience) but "we do not" is way too generalized

[@mattcolins9264]

@@Nina-bp4lx So you are just proving the point; its in sexual context with MALES that this happens. Women engaging in same sex sex dont do poppers. Why are bi women with BFs so annnnnnoying? Signed a gay man

[@Rude_i_Wredne]

It should be noted that the nature of opression of gays and lesbians is largely different. The main "crime" of lesbians in the eyes of homophobes is that they don't want to f*ck men, while the main "crime" of gays in the eyes of homophobes is that they do want to f*ck men. Gay sex is way more stigmatized than lesbian sex, so I absolutely can see why gays would be tempted by those destructive drugs more than lesbians are.

[@tippidink]

Just cured my addiction, thanks Vice!

[@tripical]

Same I'm trying to un-snort the line of heroin I did right before I saw the title.

[@RealMTBAddict]

You'll be back at it by tomorrow!

[@plvt0n1vm]

Substitute everything with pot

[@mastersonogashira1796]

@@tripical doubt you ever did anything stronger than bear

[@CeLticFire1251]

If all it took was a reference to homosexuality to cure your addicting, I guess it’s not that evil after all.

[@juanfranciscosong]

Title is unnecessary, but watch this video. It’s really insightful. Thanks for covering this topic! As someone like myself who feels like a gay oddball not using drugs, this helps me have a little bit of understanding about this part of queer culture.

[@Hacks_con_LVMX]

It’s the best thing you can do right nowZ

[@radubradu]

I'm gay and I don't take drugs because I'm not an idiot.

[@Janeintheok]

Video is 40 years too late 😂

[@dimmadometv]

True dat

[@SamBaughTV]

Some people in the comments need to realise this isn't a video for them. This is a video for LGBTQ+ people who are seeing high drug use around them with their own eyes, and who are perhaps curious or unsure without fully understanding the context behind why drug use is higher, etc... And, the title made you click.

[@bluepurplepink]

yeah, a lot of unaware straight men think everything should be catered towards them and refuse to get out of their echo chambers and whatever society has taught them to question their biases.

[@steph7960]

Get off your lgbtq+ high horse Samuel.

[@richiehoyt8487]

OK - you carry on gatekeeping; but don't then moan about the need to educate the wider (geuchh!) 'Heteronormative' society!

[@SamBaughTV]

@@richiehoyt8487 thanks for replying to my comment from a year ago. I’m always moaning about the need to educate the straights every single day x

[@richiehoyt8487]

@@SamBaughTV Well, I'm only _seeing_ the video (and, as such, your comment) for the very first time today... so unless your feelings have changed in the interim, and it would seem they haven't..!

[@wolvestasty]

"Queer clubs"... you mean gay bars?

[@jannamwatson]

Ah. That awkward moment where you realize that you're watching a show about yourself, and realize that the opening is so cringe that regardless of the content, you just switch the channel.

[@miweb3235]

Yes this moment I can relate with this from other videos, for sure!

[@redminute6605]

Naaahh… t’s not that bad…

[@jannamwatson]

@@redminute6605 I returned with my partner to see if a re-watch was in order. We made it about 30 seconds longer. The filler footage is old AF. The interview material has filter, which is trying to make it look from the same era that the filler is, and it's just a complete misfire. This might be brilliant propaganda that trying to parody the far right, but it's just missing the mark so hard. Yikes with a capital Y

[@patternrecon5271]

Bug chaser

[@templar5021]

This is crazy, im gay and im the only one out of my gay friendship group and there's about 15 of us, and im the only one who doesn't do drugs

[@dave2.077]

get new friends

[@jakedelphin2187]

A gay friendship group of 15 people…sounds terrible lol

[@evangelicalmisfit]

How old is this video? I see it was posted 4months ago but was is produced in 2022?

[@WiscoMTB37]

Is water gay?🤯🤯🤯🤯 I saw a gay person drink water once

[@jbtechcon7434]

9:33 If you're only able to enjoy something when you're heavily drugged, maybe that thing isn't really right for you and you'd be better off listening to your sober self.

[@grant314]

do you drink coffee before work

[@jrsoto8284]

So true around the corner there's some guy that lives in he's truck. he's separated from his wife 2 grown kids lost his gardening business strung out on meth and living with his transgender girlfriend.

[@SmokesKwazukii]

this is the funniest comment on here and im sure it’s actually true

[@beautifulloser8074]

My nephew is addicted to drugs and yes he’s gay. It started with him hanging out with the wrong crowd in the gay scene. It got worse and worse and now he just can’t stop. I’m not sure what to do anymore. He’s been in rehab multiple times too. Some of my friends have the same problem too.

[@bluepurplepink]

Trauma resulting a lack of self confidence and other mental issues can often result in drug use. This often happens as a result of harassment, neglect or worse violence against people for their inalienable characteristics such as race, gender, sexuality

[@uriustosh]

Probably declaring it to strangers on the net is a bad first step. My advice is to find therapy outside of comments sections, because there is no obligation of strangers to empathize, genuinely engage, or give good responses.

[@jazztheglass6139]

It's nothing new unfortunately. What's never mentioned about the gay scene is, the older crowd feed the younger fresh faces copious amounts of drugs. Had a friend in the start of the 90's given 12 E's over one particular night out. The club was Trade at the back of Farringdon Station. It was a weekly thing for him. He was treated for ecstasy addiction. Never heard of any one being addicted to it at that time, even now it must be extremely rare. Wonder how he doing now ?

[@ericmckinley7985]

@@jazztheglass6139 wow, almost like they're...grooming them? 🤔

[@cheekypop]

why is the gay scene so full of bad people? the answer should be obvious

[@yayayayya4731]

This is a peak VICE moment

[@bluepurplepink]

BRAINDEAD TAKE

[@robertstraw9881]

I don’t know, was kurt cobain gay? Nah, didn’t think he was.

[@tyroneonphone]

This comment isn't even worth responding to but there is significant evidence that Kurt was bisexual/not straight LOL

[@robertstraw9881]

@@tyroneonphone “significant evidence” like what?

[@iAmNothingness]

It’s rare finding people on any hookup apps that do not use drugs. It’s disgusting.

[@DiodeMom]

Hookups are disgusting.

[@TwinFalls88]

@@DiodeMom I agree. so superficial and hollow. than god this aspect of the old culture are receding, and the advent of a more inclusive and sexually healthy, committed and relationship focused gay culture is ascending. need a movement of young gay men to fight to CLOSE DOWN BATHHOUSES. Unsafe, a public health risk. Bad for the gay community. without bathhouses, do you think there would have been as much suffering and tragedy as there was in the 1980s ..... ? NOT homophobic to do so. Public Health Authorities should shutter BOTH straight and gay establishments alike.

[@reggiefurlow1]

Drugs destroy inhibitions and some folk need that extra mental space to enjoy themselves

[@billkuhl4051]

So you are labeling drug's as gay now. Drug's are not gay or straight. Drug's are just drug's

[@dimmadometv]

Drugs are very connected to hedonistic lifestyle of homosexuals

[@Dantick09]

The toxic gays compete for dominance seeing who is more gay and that involves drugs and multiple sex partners

[@billkuhl4051]

@KEENG LOUIE annoying for saying drugs ain't gay. Uh oh ok

[@FAIRYGIRL911]

you gotta remove that apostrophe dude

[@penguin4241]

hey let cocaine come out at its own pace all right vice

[@kiloton1920]

I remember going to Mexico with my girlfriend and meeting all her gay friends and right before we met her friends I bought a bottle of poppers but was too scared to try them so I asked her gay friends if they wanted to have it and they were like oh hell ya, and snorted some right away!

[@TUNA_FOOL_]

Nuh uh?!!

[@ThePeacePlant]

Poppers aren't really that serious at all. It just makes you light headed for about 30 seconds, you shouldn't have been afraid of it, its kind of a weak drug to be honest

[@ithinkiknowme6450]

@@ThePeacePlant yes..straight people take poppers too.. The problem is over use and the consequences that affect everyone..

[@singloc3021]

I'm a heterosexual male and I've used poppers with my male friends before. It was fun but it doesn't last long so you constantly have to sniff it. Have not done it in years but would be interested again.

[@zaccllewellyn8950]

You don't snort it you inhale it

[@moscoelucilfer5829]

I've watched the whole video and it's sad how no proposals were put forth showing how to stop the use of drugs as a way for gays to escape their miserable lives.

[@DiodeMom]

That’s bc the guy being interviewed is a drug advocate. He pretty much said he likes gay sex with poppers…

[@CC12398]

The only thing I learned from this is this guy glorifies drug addiction

[@jbtechcon7434]

Yeah, good god! Especially when he talks about lgbtq people only able to have positive sexual experiences when they're on drugs!!!

[@JoshuaFazeli]

OK KAREN

[@DeeTofa]

In a few years, people will be called drugphobics if your against the use of drugs.

[@ec1480]

They want us to be addicted to drugs, mindless slaves to do their bidding

[@BoiKitty]

@@DeeTofa Ctfu 🤣

[@chris2610]

Remember when vice would send reporters to get stories on warlords and street gangs and provide actual interesting content?

[@Worthless1010]

They still do you chump

[@heehee4651]

Cheeky vice putting in a terrible title to generate comments on the video. This is the laziest wording I’ve ever seen and kind of damaging to queer people that you left it so open for interpretation

[@K_Nasty]

Just cuz something says "drugs "and "queer" doesnt make it interesting.

[@jbtechcon7434]

And yet you clicked on it.

[@mattsmokes2505]

I’m a recovering heroin addict. Am I gay?!

[@Dantick09]

Statistically you very well could be

[@bluepurplepink]

When you are actually braindead and have not seen the video

[@inputreflector]

@@Dantick09 Proves you have absolutely no clue what you’re talking about.

[@mikesully110]

I used to boof my gear, guess I should start buying rainbow clothes

[@alibilgarius3013]

where can i find more of the short cutscenes?

[@acetate909]

Vice²+cringe = that title

[@neverendingmods]

Queers have been using "Rush" for decades! In the early to mid 80's my classmate had 18yr old brother who was a transvestite and he always did Rush. All the smoke shops and even liquor stores in city sold it. Nothing new here.

[@DOCDOCFLAMINGOS]

Yep yep!!!!! And they are NOT drugs !!

[@dasrubberduck7331]

Vice: Drug's are gay Society: Drug use has plummeted to 0%

[@bluepurplepink]

When you dont watch the video and have 0 IQ

[@dasrubberduck7331]

@@bluepurplepink I know your upset because your stuck in a basement with no Cheetos because your mom's not back from the store yet, but it's called a joke 🤣 No Backsies.

[@dimmadometv]

In other words, don't do drugs

[@geovannis7340]

YES 👍

[@Slashed888]

12:16 he can’t help but overshare here 🤣

[@charliebigbear1630]

Some of the best drugs on the planet are always found at some insanely flamboyant gay guys party.

[@roadside8230]

Years ago in the gay neighbourhood near where i lived, they used to sell what they call Poppers. Different types of salts affecting orgasms while you have sex. Everyone used to go get them. They had all types, ones to keep you awake, harder, happier, moodier...

[@Anakaraya]

idk if you'll be happy or sad to know that poppers are still definitely used in the lgbt community for sex. Theres actually some really interesting articles out there on the history of poppers for gay sex and why they are so popular among gay men (long story short: muscle relaxer = better anal).

[@mrlearningscholar4078]

Haha ohh me and my bf love poppers 🙏🙄

[@djkurb5149]

THEY USE THE SAME EXACT SCRIPT"MYFELLOW DRUG NURDS" BAAAHAHAHA IN EVERY VIDEO...AAAAHHAHAHA 😆 🤣 😂

[@sarahszabo4323]

Does anyone know the track that plays at 0:46? I think it's one of Jake Chudnow's, but I'm not sure.

[@indigoblue4791]

Biggest surprise, that people still use poppers. They've horrible.....all you're left with a nasty headache!!!

[@Defnotg]

The guy with painted nails sure knows a lot about gay people who could’ve guessed

[@M1chlos]

It is truly insane how Vice have such a massive difference in quality of their output. Covering foreign conflict (for Vice, USA based org) is A++ content, but most of these lifestyle documents are really weird.

[@clicheguevara5282]

Their war coverage is just war propaganda. Vice isn't "independent". They're owned by one of the biggest media corporations on the planet.

[@M1chlos]

@@clicheguevara5282 I am well aware of that, still I like their war coverage, especially if I compare it to whatever is this...

[@bluepurplepink]

You are weird. you live in an echo chamber, maybe consider other people have different life experiences than your straight self.

[@ALLpixelated]

It’s like going to the zoo

[@milascave2]

I agree. Do we really need a documentary about a guy in pig tails who takes LSD and takes a video camera to an Engish dog show? Well, it is calle VICE, so I supose that we should expect some degree of romantization of drugs, and boy is it there.

[@Nanoscape30]

I have an addiction, Binging watching vice videos 📹 👀

[@theviscount4622]

They can talk about stuff going on in somalia and then go to this lmao

[@dave2.077]

is taking drugs with somali pirates gay?

[@leonelm6712]

Idk if people here are celebrating drug use or not but I don’t think tying drugs with the queer community would be something to be proud of. I understand in some part it being tied to this history, intertwined per sé, but I think people in general should try to find solutions to drug crises in the lgbtq+ community and a way for these people to get out of the toxic world drugs like opioids can have.

[@tyronesmith4622]

Vice referencing itself - I’m here for it!

[@PM2024-]

The gay dudes always had poppers in the nightclubs in the 90s 💿

[@aussie_philosopher8079]

I'm not queer but they dam can party hard from what I'm seen in real life.

[@mattmccaughen8082]

This is facts when I was addicted I wouldn't have sex without being high

[@DEEANNA88]

“Queer people who use drugs are just victims of prevailing social norms” this statement was such a joke. I almost laugh.

[@CS-nn8zu]

there is such a massive scale when it comes to drugs and safety. many drugs are less dangerous that booze. that being said meth is destroying our community. we have to steer our queer brothers and sisters in another direction. i have seen far too many lives ruined.

[@jenathent4840]

Why has meth become the preferred drug of the gay ( male) community? I know alcohol is still a huge problem but meth has ravaged the community

[@cath1none]

who's gonna burst Vices bubble? PLEASE

[@bluepurplepink]

When you dont watch the video and have 0 IQ

[@confuciuslola]

wow im really impressed by the nuance of this video. Just pointing to popularization of certain drugs in the queer drugscene. And its not easy to talk about this intersection of drug use and queer life.

[@kate4biglittlevoices]

Well, I gotta admit, you can’t pull off a well played April fools on April 1 now can you - well played vice , ya got me

[@HigzyTeflon]

9:06 Ghosting. Not nice! Oh, and on poppers -- they are, ABOVE ALL, a sex aid and not limited to the gay community. My Girlfriend and I both enjoy poppers in a way that it is not necessary, but it is a fun addition to an already fun activity.

[@cheveronLI]

Lol I wonder if he ever got that arse he was looking for?

[@DOCDOCFLAMINGOS]

Very true!!!! And Poppers are NOT drugs !!!

[@js725535]

Virtually every gay guy I know is a casual drug user and very few of them have a truly problematic relationship with drugs. That said, some have had close calls with GHB and a friend of a friend died of it. Most gay men really are more hedonistic than straights, and that's not simply because of "trauma." I actually think that its something to celebrate--we just need to minimize the risk that can come from sex and drugs.

[@KO-pn9pl]

Yeah this video is very strange. If someone didn’t know someone LGBT they would think the whole community are all drug addicts. There are people who use drugs to help with trauma but that’s seen across all people. Vice usually does a decent job at humanizing LGBT people. I do really think this conversation should’ve been worded differently.

[@blackmetaltrajano3715]

Totally agree with you

[@noneofyourbusiness6269]

totally disagree with you

[@danielj8085]

@@noneofyourbusiness6269 I totally disagree with your disagreement

[@ItsJustMe0585]

I don't think that's true at all. There IS a higher prevalence of drug use among them, and that can't be denied. He simply explained why that is, and how it isn't just 'oh gay folks are degenerates and don't care about the law' nor is it 'oh they must all be depressed and using it to cope.' Nah, it's more because they are open-minded and more about finding ways to express themselves and so many more of them are willing to give mind altering substances a try for that reason. I think it's a good thing to explain that, because if you don't know gay folks you ALREADY probably have a perception that they're all on drugs and that it's for the reasons I just stated.

[@blackmetaltrajano3715]

@@ItsJustMe0585 one thing is what YOU want to believe and another thing is the truth. When you say “them” I can guess that you can offer the amount of people that you have interviewed to see the truth behind your narrative. I’m queer, all my people around belong to the queer community and all of them are anti drugs. Most of the straight teenagers in Europe that I know (and I know a lot of them )do drugs (marihuana, pills, etc) so of course the narrative in this video is totally homophobic. You have to show number, contrasted information, not just rumours and sh1t that homophobic people want to believe about us.

[@HideInYellow]

Was confused by the comments, the title used to be "Are All Drugs Queer?" (via Wayback Machine) if you're also confused.

[@archangelcharlie]

Really appreciate this kind of excellent journalism. No-one else is covering this and it's extremely validating to have things from personal experience be discussed. Heteronormative society places such a burden on queer people by either stigmatizing, scrutinizing, or cancelling, and this kind of media helps alleviate that. Thank you.

[@patternrecon5271]

Bug chaser

[@Corbomite_Meatballs]

@@patternrecon5271 You seem to say this in a lot of other comments. Something you want to share with the room Brenda, like your most recent test results?

[@patternrecon5271]

@@Corbomite_Meatballs diaper filler

[@Steppnshewolf]

@@patternrecon5271 you can’t even form a full sentence diaper filler! WEAR IT PROUD!

[@patternrecon5271]

@@Steppnshewolf degen groomer

[@vincegravedubs]

I feel like only 5% of comments on Vice videos these days are from people who actually watched the videos. People are commenting "I miss the old Vice" or "Peak Vice moment" and I feel they've been doing so ever since I first started watching Vice in the early 2010's. Vice hasn't really changed much, it's always been a very liberal media from the start and if you want hostile conflict coverage, it's still there.

[@pulg28]

I was looking for an informative deep dive about drug use in the lgbt community, not a conversation saying "they use drugs, but its society's fault"

[@bubblegummy12]

Wow. So disappointing. The way this interview almost glorified drug use and didn’t even touch on the topic of addiction. Not every drug user will become an addict but the risk is there and absolutely life ruining. Yes people of all walks of life use drugs for all different reasons but it doesn’t mean we should ignore the harm associated with drug use, all drug use including alcohol nicotine etc.

[@gee_emm]

But addiction impacts a minority of users. Most drug users are recreational and not addicted. This is a myth we have to get past! Why should addiction always dominate discussions of drugs when it doesn’t represent the majority? There are plenty of docs on YT about addiction.

[@bubblegummy12]

@@gee_emm I agree with you on that point. A lot of drugs are also not as addictive as others. When it comes to methamphetamine, opioids (I don’t think they were mentioned in this vid though) the risk of becoming addicted is highly more likely than something like poppers or mdma when used safely. I’m biased because I’m a recovering addict, I became addicted to painkillers prescribed by a doctor for a legitimate condition before there was a lot of education on the opioid crisis (in Australia ). I think any content discussing drug use should cover addiction even if it isn’t the main focus of the video. That’s just my personal opinion though.

[@gee_emm]

@@bubblegummy12 I get your point. Have you read ‘high times’ by Dr Carl Hart? Apparently, it’s a myth that more people get addicted to meth and heroine. Shocking, I know. But he actually crunched the numbers. There are plenty of people who take these drugs only at the weekend. Reading that really blew my mind, as I always thought you took those drugs once and it was all over. Hope I didn’t sound unkind or dismissive. I know opioid addiction is real and impacts people horribly. This is why most users stay in the closet. Nobody wants that image. Anyways, good for you for recovering. Just remember that your experience is not the whole story. We have this slant when it comes to illicit drugs, but alcohol gets advertised on TV! It’s out of balance. Remember the ‘refer madness’ era and the ‘LSD will make you jump off a building’ days? 🙄We need to better informed, not scare mongered and lied to. Stay healthy! 🙏🏿 ✌🏿❤️

[@faffolite]

Feel like there could have been more perspectives

[@dakodanewell3818]

I learned absolutely nothing from this 🤣

[@Windwond]

We didn’t call them queer.

[@Erin-Thor]

All I know is in my younger days partying, coke, dancing, and sex was a revelation. If it was cheap and legal, I’d be a willing gleefully happy addict. 🤣

[@kbrits]

I didn’t even watch this. I’m aware of the culture but I’ve always assumed that it stems from the fact that people that are born gay, they will lack the connections that straight people have when they are younger and through their entire lives or they have had in general. And I realize that’s a gross generalization. But that’s what addiction is, it’s a lack of connection. I’ve been there and done that. Dr. Gábor Máté says that addiction is just people trying to adapt to a sick world. And I think if queer people do use more drugs, it’s because they have so much more to deal with internally and externally no matter how much support you have it’s not the same. I hope that made sense, I really wanted to say some thing because I have to be right on the Internet! Or really just because I feel deeply that this is bullshit but I am no expert.

[@97ajf]

It makes sense. Those who do not identify with the "norm" definitely find themselves self medicating more often. The headline is just really stupidly worded and clickbaity. If they started with "Queer people succomb to addiction more than straight people" I probably would've taken this video more seriously.

[@DaArcaneNinja]

You're on the ball, the video explores how it's a coping mechanism and a tool for exploration to learn about themselves and feel free to navigate the world

[@robbb416]

Well said. 👏🏼💯

[@jbtechcon7434]

Except that "all gays are born gay" is just a dogma with not a bit of science behind it. The reasons for being lgbtq are as diverse as lgbtq people themselves. And many, many people use drugs and alcohol to cope with lives that aren't right for them.

[@BoiKitty]

If you know it's a gross generalization, all you have to do is stop saying lgbt "people" and say lgbt "individuals". It cost nothing to make an effort to change your language. Language is the foundation that creates awareness in the first place, without, we'd talk with our hands.

[@Lea_and_Henry]

We need another acid wave.

[@inputreflector]

Please no. People are already barely hanging by a thread and the world doesn’t need more Lisa Simpson-esque white Buddhist tolerance preaching cult members.

[@taiton2661]

we want to congratulate drug...for winning war on drug.

[@quintenmantez6934]

I still don't get it! Why you need drugs to have good sex? The only drugs I need is an adorable woman!

[@mrbear716]

Some older men need the blue pill to keep their "D" up . 🤷🏾

[@caseynow1773]

Remember when vice was actually legit before HBO bought them. The days

[@AdamAlkishawi]

Vice is no longer with HBO, they belong to showtime now.

[@spaceparrot8702]

I say prohibition doesn't solve drug problems. There have been experiments that all ended in the conclusion that you get very similar rates among countries that had drugs legalized and those that hadn't. If drugs are legalized, their consistency and quality can be easily determined and controlled, so the substances themselves are less toxic. Drug-related emergencies would be less frequent and probably also less severe. How the human mind works also would influence drug usage. If they were legal, they would no longer be so controversial and would cease to "be a big deal", because people get to experience both the ups and downs with less danger and less of an adrenaline rush that using illegal stuff often causes. That being said, snorting up half a ton of crystal every single day also doesn't solve drug problems. Responsible drug use would be the best answer and for that, people really do need good mental health and clarity. I can say from personal experience that using small amounts of drugs in a responsible way (including knowing your limits and setting boundaries) is amazing. It helps to easily get out of the ugly world we live in for a while, plus also helps with fatigue and practically eliminates anxiety with the added benefit of feeling happy and full of energy. Some of them also make it easier to connect with people, be more open, honest and makes it easier to show genuine empathy.

[@travishall6442]

Vice has now jumped the shark

[@gcheck8092]

its crazy to me that damn near every thing this guy said wrapped back around to oppression or being victims. im not buying it, it seems like a easy way out of explaining the real problem at hand. just because you are oppressed doesnt give you a reason to throw your life away.

[@thet.5406]

Thank you for your educated analysis

[@gcheck8092]

@@thet.5406 your welcome 🧠 💀 🤡

[@thet.5406]

You're*

[@coreyshack6508]

Once a month? No one is taking drugs once a month…

[@bibleburner]

I've been doing Ecstasy once a month for years.

[@dhanshyaamramsaywack723]

The fact is ...We are all equal on the spiritual level....not on the bodily level...

[@mrniceguy7168]

I’m subscribed to VICE News and not VICE because I’m interested in news and politics. If I wanted to watch a video about gay sex, I would go on a different website.

[@jeffpienta4532]

Fair enough, though I think this is a little different considering it's not showing the gay sex as much as it's trying to draw a conclusion between gays and drugs. One that isn't there.

[@mrniceguy7168]

@KEENG LOUIE left my comment, a thumbs down, and left. As I said, I’m a subscriber. Did you think you got me there?

[@CantThinkofaCoolOne]

Make Ecstasy Great Again

[@stripeybeast]

Remember when Vice was cool? Remember when they challenged mainstream narratives? This is some hot garbage - I don’t want Vice to be woke, I want Vice to be real and raw and controversial. This should be titled “Is Vice Queer? YES”

[@ibogantess]

vice always did exactly the same thing isnt their view on the drug war challenging mainstream narratives, isnt conservativism a mainstrram narrative maybe they realized that the war on drugs is a controversial topic and that the legalise all drugs standpoint is a bit underrepresented though interesting for a lot and that by reporting on that they can maybe turn some things to the positive

[@blackmail1807]

*talks about gay people existing* I DONT WANT THIS WOKE GARBAGE Totally normal and healthy reaction

[@PaulHo]

How do we see that 2015 Chemsex documentary?

[@retinapeg1846]

i agree with vice here. not all drugs are gay but that it helps develop identity. zoomers wouldn't understand so much.

[@minnigmanmad]

Stop comparing everything to being gay.

[@elohimtafari2249]

Dislike the video then let em know

[@Benni777]

Hold up now, your homophobia is showing! 😬😂😂

[@yayayayya4731]

@@elohimtafari2249 thanks I will. No need to repeat your replies though

[@yayayayya4731]

@KEENG LOUIE I know. But I was

[@bluepurplepink]

When you dont watch the video and have 0 IQ

[@mickeystime2873]

God what has vice turned into

[@thugnarsty]

Had to click on this lmao not disappointed by the comments. Looking forward to starting it!

[@Rude_i_Wredne]

I don't know which narrative is worse. Neither "drugs are fine" nor "gays are not fine" should be a normalized.

[@nonchablunt]

One of the best vids by vice and on drugs, queer and civil liberties movements. Great job.