Campaigns and Hubs Legacy campaigns Consent | Chemsex Filming without consent | Chemsex Filming or taking photos during sex can sometimes happen during chemsex. You might choose and agree to it, however it can happen without your knowledge or consent. Filming someone without their consent is not okay. It can be a violation of trust, privacy and safety, and in many cases may be illegal. What does filming without consent mean? Filming without consent is when someone records, photographs or shares sexual content of you without your clear and informed say so. This includes: Recording sex without telling you Taking photos or videos when you’re not aware of it Filming when you’re asleep, unconscious or heavily intoxicated/high Continuing to film after you said no Sharing or uploading images or videos without permission Threatening to share content (“revenge porn” or coercion) Hiding cameras or secretly recording Consent must be freely given, informed and ongoing. Being in a chemsex session or agreeing to sex doesn’t mean agreeing to being filmed. What should I look out for? The drugs used in chemsex can make you feel really horny, lower your inhibitions and make you less aware of things. This can make it easier for boundaries to be crossed or ignored. Some people might assume filming is OK without even asking, share content you’ve agreed to film with others without permission, or even take advantage when you’re out of it or high. Long sessions and multiple people can also make it harder to know what is happening at all times. That’s why it’s important to stay vigilant. Be aware of: Phones positioned or left in unusual places People holding phones during sex Devices pointed towards beds or spaces where sex is happening Sudden use of cameras or flash People asking vague or unclear questions about filming New people entering or leaving rooms with devices Not all filming is obvious, so it is OK to ask questions if you’re unsure. Setting boundaries around filming Before or during a chemsex session, you can be clear about what you are comfortable with. Let people know that you don’t want to be recorded or photographed if you think that’s the vibe, you can say you’re uncomfortable with phones during sex, or even filming is OK but not to share the content. If filming is agreed, consent should still be ongoing and can be withdrawn at any time. If you think someone is filming without your consent, you can: Ask directly: “Are you filming?” Clearly say: “Stop filming” or “I don’t consent to that” Ask them to delete the content in front of you Move away from the situation Leave if you need to You do not need to justify your boundaries and if something feels off or unsafe, it is okay to leave. Trust your instincts: if something doesn’t feel right, that is enough reason to go. What do I do if I was filmed without my consent? You will likely feel very anxious and violated if this happens to you. There are things you can do and there is support available. If you think you were filmed or photographed without your consent, you should: Write down what you remember as soon as you can, as after a session things can become hazy as time passes Save any messages or evidence if it’s safe to do so Ask the person to delete the content if you feel able to Talk to someone you trust so you don’t have to deal with this alone If content has been shared online, some platforms have reporting tools to request removal. You also have the choice to report it. In the UK, sharing or threatening to share sexual images without consent can be a criminal offence. Secret filming in private settings may also be illegal. You can: Report to the police (999 in an emergency, 101 for non-emergency) Contact a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for advice and support Report content to websites or apps where it has been shared Seek support from sexual violence or LGBTQ+ organisations There are LGBTQ+ support organisations available to offer advice, support and how to take next steps [LINK]. How can the Chemsex Support Hub help? The Chemsex Support Hub offers non-judgemental information and support for LGBTQ+ people around chemsex, consent and wellbeing. This includes advice on: Consent and communication Setting boundaries Reducing harm during chemsex Mental health and recovery Finding LGBTQ+ inclusive support services You have the right to privacy, consent and respect in all chemsex situations. Manage Cookie Preferences