Campaigns and Hubs Legacy campaigns Consent | Chemsex Setting sexual boundaries | Chemsex Setting boundaries before and during chemsex can help you feel safer, more in control, and more able to have sex that’s more fun and enjoyable. Boundaries are different for everyone, so your boundaries will likely be different to others. What are sexual boundaries? Sexual boundaries are limits and preferences your set yourself to help you feel safer, more comfortable and making sex more enjoyable for you. Some examples of boundaries can include: What sexual activities you do or don’t want Who you do or don’t want to have sex with How many people you feel comfortable being with What drugs you do or don’t want to take Whether you want protection: condoms, PrEP, DoxyPEP etc Whether filming or photos are allowed When you want to take a break, stop or leave Your boundaries can change depending on the person, situation or how you feel that day. Keeping boundaries during chemsex The drugs used in chemsex can often affect decision-making, inhibitions and your awareness of what’s going on, especially during longer sessions. This can make it harder to say no or change your mind, stick to any limits you may have set yourself, make it more difficult to leave and you could feel pressure from others. That’s why planning ahead as best as you can is important. Thinking about boundaries before a session can make it easier later. Before a session consider: What you want from the session What you’re comfortable doing sexually What’s off limits for you How many people you’re OK having sex with What drugs you want to avoid or limit What time you want to leave How you want to feel afterwards Also consider your hard limits. Things like: No injecting or slamming No sex without protection (whether that’s PrEP, condoms etc) No filming or photos No taking or mixing certain drugs Leaving if people become pushy or aggressive While things can change during a session, having limits in mind or any hard lines you won’t cross will help maintain your personal boundaries and keep you safer and more comfortable. Communicating your boundaries If you have boundaries, communicating them is important. Clear, direct language can help. Let someone know upfront what and what you aren’t into, tell people if you need a break or don’t want any more drugs for now. If you are uncomfortable or feel like your boundaries aren’t being respected, don’t hesitate to leave. You don’t need to apologise for having boundaries If you’ve communicated your limits and you have said no and the person(s) continue without your consent, then this is sexual assault. Sexual assault is a crime and can be reported to the police. There are organisations set up for LGBTQ+ people that can help you in situations such as these [LINK]. How can the Chemsex Support Hub help? The Chemsex Support Hub offers non-judgemental information and support for LGBTQ+ people around chemsex, sex and wellbeing. This includes advice on: Consent and communication Setting boundaries Reducing harm during chemsex Sexual health and testing Mental health and recovery Finding LGBTQ+ inclusive support services You deserve sexual experiences that feel safe, respectful and right for you. Manage Cookie Preferences