Chemstories – a podcast about PnP/chemsex (English-language edition)8 Touko

28. YHZ Activism — Hey Andrew

In the inaugural episode of the YHZ Halifax flights, Investigator Olivier introduces local host Andrew, whose personal journey from daily chemsex use to becoming a key advocate in Nova Scotia shapes the conversation. He candidly addresses the "internalized homophobia" often found in more rural or industrial areas of the East Coast, which can drive chemsex further underground. He discusses a desire to reclaim the narrative around chemsex in smaller cities where privacy is scarce, and stigma runs high.

Andrew highlights the unique challenges of the Halifax scene, and the lack of dedicated support services leaves many navigating their use in isolation. The episode delves into his efforts to fill these gaps, from running pilot harm reduction projects to creating an online resource hub. Ultimately, Andrew hopes the podcast will challenge the misconception that chemsex equals a "messy" life, instead showcasing the agency, complexity, and humanity of those involved.

If you’re looking for support, please explore our list of Chemsex resources/services.

🔗 Other Resources Mentioned

Andrew’s Web site : Coming Spring 2026

Matthew Numer (Dalhousie University) :

Philip Joy (Mount Saint Vincent University) :

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32. YHZ Maturity-Pt. 2 — I Know What I Am

In this second and last segment of the YHZ Maturity flight, Halifax host Andrew concludes his conversation with Harry and Hector, focusing on the intersection of aging, HIV, and chemsex. The guests d...

22 Touko 29min

31. YHZ Maturity-Pt. 1 — Hey Harry & Hector

Halifax host Andrew introduces Harry and Hector, two older participants whose experiences challenge the typical narrative of youth and recklessness often associated with chemsex. Hector, who began usi...

21 Touko 30min

30. YHZ Resilience-Pt. 2 — Giving Grace

In this second chapter of the YHZ Resilience flight, Halifax host Andrew guides Steven and James through a raw discussion on the complex intersection of trauma, shame, and recovery. James opens up ab...

15 Touko 31min

29. YHZ Resilience-Pt. 1 — Hey Steven & James

Halifax host Andrew opens a challenging yet necessary conversation with guests Steven and James, focusing on the intersection of chemsex, consent, and sexual trauma. Steven, five years into recovery,...

15 Touko 33min

27. YHZ Prelude — Why It's Important, Halifax

In this prelude to the YHZ Halifax series, this episode centers on the central question of this podcast series: Why is it important for people with lived experience of PnP/chemsex to tell their own st...

8 Touko 8min

26. YUL Plurality-Pt. 3 — Unapologetically

Éric, Ally, and Michael address the lack of support and visibility for gender-diverse individuals in the chemsex scene. Éric emphasizes that amplifying these rare voices is essential to breaking isola...

1 Touko 26min

25. YUL Plurality-Pt. 2 — Gender Play

Éric, Ally, and Michael examine performative gender pressures. Éric used chemsex to escape hyper-masculinity while briefly embodying its "super version." Ally similarly built a masculine persona for a...

1 Touko 25min