Drug Use and Sexual Encounters: Gay Circuit Parties and Raves Bridget C Callahan
Similarities between Gay Circuit Parties(GCP) and Raves Take place in large venues Loud EDM/Techno Music with light shows Last for several days at a time Drug use is the norm at both type of parties Poly substance use reported at both parties Use of certain drugs to enhance sexual encounters in both scenes (O’Byrne 2011) Prevalence of sexual activities and drug use in both cultures makes them targets for government and moral organizations calling for regulations of scenes (Holland, 2003).
Differences between GCP’s and Raves The GCP Party Most commonly known GCP’s- Cherry 9 in Washington, The Black Party in New York, the Black & Blue Festival in Montreal, Mardi Gras in Sydney, the White Party and the Winter Party in Miami, the Fireball in Chicago or Gay Days in Orlando. (Torrealba, 2012). “GCPs were designed by and for a subset of men who have sex with other men (MSM)” The median age of attendees are yr. Predominantly male attendees. (O’Byrne, 2011) Raves The movie, Party Monster, is a true story surrounding one of the most famous Rave Coordinators of the 1980’s, Michael Alig. The Club Kids of NYC set the stage for Raves throughout the 80’s and 90’s even going out on tour as the Club Kids(Bailey&Barbato, 2003). Predominantly teenager to late-20’s Mixed gender population Very specific subcultures in the Rave circle identified by their drug use. (McCaughan, 2005)
Common Drugs Used in Both Scenes Alcohol Crystal Meth Ecstasy Ketamine GHB (O’Byrne, 2011); (McCaughan, 2005)
Commonalities in Drug Use Among Both Party Groups Use the drugs to combat fatigue. Use the various drugs to achieve various sensations to enhance vibrations from the music and visuals from the light shows. To decrease inhabitations to enhance social and sexual encounters. To prolong sexual encounters and increase the number of encounters per night. (Ross, 2003); (McCaughan, 2005)
GCP attendees report That one of the biggest reasons they use drugs while participating in the party weekend is to eliminate pain. They report, specifically, that the use of the drugs is to eliminate the pain that is experienced during anal sex. Some even report that they only engage in anal sex if under the influence of a drug. (Ross, 2003)
Critical topics to be aware of when dealing with the members of the GCP and Rave Cultures Must be aware of personal biases when working population Learn the language and behaviors of the LGBT and Rave Communities so that the best material can be incorporated when working with populations. Be knowledgeable of the pharmacological effect of club drugs on participants to maintain credibility. Remember that drug use is prominent and accepted in the culture. It is normal for participants to engage in multiple sexual encounters during events.
REFERENCES Barbato, R. (Producer), & Bailey, F. (Director). (2003). Party Monster[DVD]. United Kingdom: World of Wonder. Holland, B., & Paoletta, M. (2003). Dance Community Disheartened By The Passage Of 'Rave' Bill. Billboard, 115(17), 8. Mansergh, G. C. (2001). The Circuit Party Men's Health Survey: Findings and Implications for Gay and Bisexual Men. American Journal Of Public Health, 91(6), Retrieved October 27, 2015 McCaughan, J. A. (2005). From “Candy Kids” to “Chemi-Kids”: A Typology of Young Adults Who Attend Raves in the Midwestern United States. Substance Use & Misuse, 40(9-10), doi: /JA McDowell, D. (2000). Gay Men, Lesbians and Substances of Abuse and the 'Club and Circuit Party Scene': What Clinicians Should Know. Journal Of Gay & Lesbian Psychotherapy, 3(3/4), 37. O’Byrne, P. &. (2011). Drug Use as Boundary Play: A Qualitative Exploration of Gay Circuit Parties. Substance Use & Misuse, 46(12), 1510–1522. doi: / Ross, M. W. (2003). Club Drugs and Sex on Drugs Are Associated with Different Motivations for Gay Circuit Party Attendance in Men. Substance Use & Misuse, 38(8), Torrealba, J.M. (Producer & Director). (2012). Got 2B There: A History of the Circuit Parties[Video File]. Retrieved from