Spanish campaign ‘Hablemos de la Tina’ debates chemsex among LGBTQ

Este artigo também está disponível em:
Português Español

After its initial impact, the “Chemsex – Hablemos de la Tina” campaign, promoted by Cesida, returns with a second, more robust and collaborative edition. In a joint effort with 17 Spanish entities, dating apps, and magazines aimed at the LGBTQIA+ population, the campaign focuses on the practice of chemsex and related STIs, offering informative resources and free tools for harm reduction.

According to Toni Poveda, director of Cesida, the commitment is firm in continuously providing the necessary support and information to effectively address the risks associated with chemsex.

“The LGBTQIA+ community deserves resources and support to address chemsex in an informed and safe manner,” says Toni Poveda. “We are committed to continuing to provide information and resources needed to effectively address this challenge, including risk reduction strategies that can help minimize potential harm associated with chemsex,”Poveda emphasizes.

– BKDR –

The study “Approaching Chemsex in Spain”, conducted by Apoio Positivo (“Positive Support”) and Imagina Mais (“Imagine More”), shows that the average age of participants in these practices is 36 years old, with a significant percentage maintaining stable relationships. This edition of the campaign stands out for the inclusion of three videos that examine different facets of chemsex, including addiction to sex and dating apps, as well as the impact on personal, family, and work relationships.

In the videos, presenter Mr. Avelain acts as a guide, leading viewers through testimonies of chemsex users, who openly share their personal experiences, with the notable participation of recognized professionals in the field, such as Emilio de Benito (journalist) and Brando Huaycho, volunteers from Cogam, Pablo Casero (psychologist) and Sergio Cuho from the NGO Stop, Jorge Garrido from Apoio Positivo, Álvaro Morales (psychologist) and Alba Alonso (sexologist) from Imagina Mais, and Gabriel J. Martin, psychologist and author of “Grindrburgo (and other neighborhoods)”, who will provide valuable information and essential resources to address this topic in an informed and comprehensive manner.

Emmanuel de Martino, physician, screenwriter, and playwright, is responsible for editing and scripting these three new chapters: “With ‘Hablemos de la Tina 2’, we are challenging stigmas and opening a necessary dialogue about chemsex within the LGBTQIA+ community, with the hope of fostering understanding and mutual support.”

‘Chemsex: Hablemos de la Tina’ is not only aimed at metropolitan areas such as Madrid and Barcelona, Seville or Valencia, or tourist destinations such as Torremolinos, Sitges, and Ibiza, the sessions, chill or guarrichill, as many know them, are a reality that is transforming the landscape of sexual health in the LGBTI+ community, and cases are beginning to be reported in small towns and even villages. It is time to face the reality head-on at the state level and offer free resources and support to those struggling with this issue. But it is also time to educate and promote safe sexual habits throughout the LGBT community”, comments Reyes Velayos, president of Cesida.

In addition to focusing on major metropolitan areas, the campaign also targets smaller cities and villages, recognizing the extent of the chemsex phenomenon beyond the main tourist destinations. The campaign’s information and resources are available on Cesida’s website, where you can watch the videos and find related support services. For more details, visit cesida.org/chemsex.

Cesida

Cesida, the State Coordinator of HIV and AIDS, is one of the most prominent entities in the citizen movement against STIs in Spain. Founded in 2002, it currently has a presence in 17 Autonomous Communities and positions itself as a key organization for addressing issues related to the theme in the Country. Cesida brings together 76 entities representing more than 120 organizations throughout the Spanish territory.