The magazine Têtu opens a new forum for public conversation with a dedicated evening on chemsex during Avril Utile, a month of collective reflection on the subject. This gathering aims to move beyond headlines and moralising, offering an evidence-informed exchange where lived experience, clinical insight and community-led responses meet. The goal is not merely to label behaviour but to explore practical alternatives for safer social and sexual life, and to highlight pathways for people who want different ways to connect.
At the heart of the evening is a commitment to sober, stigma-free dialogue. The organisers present têtu bavarde as a recurring series that foregrounds clear information and respectful listening. Participants will find a mix of expert testimony, grassroots initiatives and artistic interventions that together map the complexities of chemsex and its social dynamics. The event promises a balance between critical health perspectives and cultural recognition of pleasure and belonging.
Why this discussion matters
Public concern has grown as communities and health professionals report severe outcomes linked to drug use in sexual contexts. Several LGBT organisations have signalled alarm at recent trends, noting that the phenomenon has had deadly consequences, with reports attributing around 20 deaths in 2026 to related practices. Framing the conversation in a public space is therefore not just a matter of debate but an urgent health and community priority. Speakers will address structural risks, access to care and how peer-led projects can reduce harm without erasing desire or social bonds.
Key angles to be explored
Panel contributors will unpack practical topics: harm reduction strategies, mental health intersections, addiction treatment pathways and the limits of prohibitionist messaging. The event foregrounds practical prevention—for example, safer use information, testing and linkage to services—while also discussing how social venues can offer alternatives to drug-centred nightlife. This is an opportunity to contrast clinic-based approaches with community-designed solutions that aim for sustained, realistic change.
Who will speak and what each brings
The conversation features a mix of editorial, clinical and grassroots voices: Thomas Vampouille from the magazine’s editorial team will moderate the discussion; psychiatrist Jean-Victor Blanc, author of Des amours chimiques, will provide clinical and narrative context; Ariane Julia, founder of Not Today, will share experiences designing sober social spaces; and Fred Bladou, a coordinator in sexual health and addictology projects, will outline service responses and outreach strategies. Together they will bridge media framing, clinical knowledge and community practice.
What attendees can expect
After the moderated debate there will be a public question-and-answer segment, enabling attendees to raise practical concerns or request resources. The evening is designed to be accessible and non-judgmental, with materials and signposting for health services. Illustrations for the event are credited to Laurier The Fox, reflecting the event’s cultural as well as clinical framing. The tone aims to combine candour with compassion and to offer concrete next steps.
Practical details and the sober after-party
The event will take place on Friday 24 April, with doors opening at 18:30, at Césure, located at 13 rue Santeuil, 75005 Paris. Attendance is free and registration is handled through Eventbrite. The evening will conclude with a deliberately sober after-party running until midnight, featuring a DJ set by Cocko (Pump), a drag performance by Ruby On The Nail (known from Drag Race France), and a bar in partnership with OSCO serving non-alcoholic aperitifs and cocktails. This format models alternatives to alcohol- or drug-centred nightlife while keeping a celebratory atmosphere.