Framing 'Chemsexism': Chinese Gay Men Navigating Stigma and Labelling

Apei Song ¹, Jiaojiao He ²

⁰School of Law, Society, and Criminology, Faculty of Law and Justice, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia.

Journal of Homosexuality +

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April 25, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Chinese gay men counter-stigmatizing narratives address layered disadvantages from chemsex (sexual activity involving drug use). They challenge power structures, advocating for sexual liberation and respect within dominant hierarchies.

Area Of Science

Social Sciences
Public Health
Sociology

Background

Chemsex intersects with multiple stigmas in the gay community, particularly in China, leading to marginalization.
Limited understanding exists regarding how individuals manage stigmatizing stress in contexts of multiple stigmas.

Purpose Of The Study

To explore how Chinese gay men construct counter-narratives to manage stigma related to chemsex.
To understand how these narratives reposition individuals within intersecting hierarchies of heterosexuality and drug prohibition.

Main Methods

Online semi-structured interviews were conducted with Chinese gay men.
A process-oriented understanding of addiction stigma was applied.

Main Results

Participants constructed counter-narratives that repositioned them beyond personal justifications for chemsex.
These narratives viewed stigma as a structural product marginalizing homosexuality and drug use, seeking equal recognition.
Gay men advocated for chemsex as sexual liberation, challenging heterosexual norms and critiquing normalization processes.

Conclusions

The study conceptualizes this practice as "Chemsexism," emphasizing a participant-centered perspective and life affirmation.
Findings highlight gay men's efforts to legitimize sexual practices and assert self-respect against dominant power structures.
Further regional exploration using the "Chemsexism" framework is recommended.

Keywords:

Chemsexism Chinese gay men chemsex counter-narratives stigma