Now we know Britain’s ‘most prolific rapist’ used a ‘date rape drug’, we all need to talk about chemsex

My community can’t afford to wait for society to catch up. So in the meantime, we, all of us, have to do a better job of staying informed

On Monday, news broke that Britain’s “most prolific rapist”, Reynhard Sinaga, had been jailed for life for committing 159 offences against 48 men. One hundred and ninety-five victims in total were counted by police in videos Sinaga took of himself assaulting these victims, most often using the drug GHB, or “G”, to render the men unconscious before violating them.

That victims of Sinaga weren’t exclusively gay men doesn’t necessarily matter, what does is whether enough people are equipped to keep their prejudices out of their response to same-sex assaults.

Convicted serial killer, Stephen Port, known colloquially as “the Grindr killer”, caused his four known victims to overdose on G. The brutality of his murders should have been enough to spark a public health approach given the frequency of G overdoses in the gay community. They should have raised the alarm with the police immediately, as should other criminal cases involving the LGBT+ community, as well as sex workers.

Instead, there were “missed opportunities” to find him, often based on allegations of homophobia within the Metropolitan Police. But the prejudices that cause people and authorities to overlook the issue, including questionable investigations into the deaths of gay men, have arguably allowed more murders to occur, obstructing justice for marginalised communities.

Warnings about date-rape drugs are often solely aimed at women. While this is an understandable approach to ensure that women stay safe, it clouds the reality of the wider issue at hand: that those susceptible to assault continues to include gay men and (typically trans and gay) sex workers too.

When it comes to men, many cultures make it hard to discuss assault without feeling emasculated. But seeking help is bravery. And by overlooking the dangers facing men, depending purely on appearance-based assumptions, is dangerous too. No body type is inherently safe from being violated.

My community can’t afford to wait for society to catch up. So in the meantime, we, all of us, have to do a better job of staying informed.

Hookup platforms and the dating scene can be a competitive environment where people feel the need to impress strangers at the cost of their wellbeing. This makes recovery from chemsex dependency very tricky. As such, male and trans women sex workers are often under high pressure to engage in chemsex in this climate, on top of other pressures like surgery and steroid use.

On the other hand, some sex workers are able to offer services without drug use, aimed at those people with anxieties about having sober sex again. They provide a safe space for clients to take steps to re-engage with the realities of performance anxiety, sexual tension and awkwardness in a non-judgmental atmosphere.

The “chemsex” scene, as it is commonly referred to, describes people consensually meeting each for sex on drugs. Three drugs in particular: GHB or “G”, crystal meth and mephedrone, although the substance tends to vary. Meeting this way has become increasingly popular and the drugs have become easier to access. When someone takes G with alcohol in their system, they can lose consciousness, which is why it is used in date-rape druggings.

G is a clear liquid taken in pipette-measures of 1ml, and added to a non-alcoholic drink taken each hour, on the hour. People doing it should never let someone else administer it for them, making sure to always measure it themselves. Larger doses or higher frequency consumption does not create stronger recreational effects, in fact, a lethal overdose can occur with only a few additional millilitres.

Sex parties with drugs are often called “chillouts”, or an invite to “PNP” (Party’n’Play). If you plan on attending one of these parties, be sure to bring and use your own lube, as some people add G to theirs, and may not tell their sexual partners.

When out drinking, always keep your drinks close and in sight; do not leave them unattended. Be aware of where your friends are. If they say something feels unusual, stay with them. If anyone is bothering you or your group, ask at the bar to speak to "Angela" or "Angel", many bars operate a silent warning policy and this indicates you need help. Speak to your bar to find out if they are on board or are happy to join the scheme. Check your friends are getting home safely and have enough control to do so.

If someone passes out on G, call 999. Emergency responders will not alert police to the presence of drugs at the location, but will simply provide medical assistance. Find a mirror or an off phone screen, hold it to unconscious person’s mouth and see if it fogs up, indicating that they are breathing. The operator will tell you how to put the unconscious person into the recovery position and ask you to watch them so as to prevent them from choking on vomit. When they come around they will likely have impaired memory and nausea.

A harm reduction approach to substances relies on support, not a deterrent. It celebrates a person maintaining or reducing their substance intake, rather than punishing increased use. Harm reduction looks into the reasons people have for wanting substances and moves away from punishment or shaming.

Drug prevention law enforcement bodies continually state a harm reduction approach would be a more effective use of public resources. So too, would decriminalisation. Taking a leaf out of Portugal’s book, which decriminalised all drug use in 2001, we should be focusing instead on treatment for those who need it. Since the introduction of this treatment-based approach, the country’s escalating opioid crisis reduced significantly, encouraging drug users to take individual steps to manage their substance use without fear of arrest.

While the UK seems reluctant to seriously consider the decriminalisation of drugs, perhaps it’s the step we need to bring chemsex out from the underground and into the light. Talking plainly about it, not solely when horrific crimes have been committed, could save lives.

Jason Domino is a UK adult professional, sexual health and wellbeing officer