Introduction: Chemsex, the use of psychoactive substances to enhance sexual experience, is most prominent in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). This study explores the prevalence of chemsex in Australian GBMSM (N = 632) and its associations with psychosexual and psychosocial health. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted. Measures included demographics, psychological distress, attitudes toward sexuality (Sex-Positivity-Negativity Scale), sexual self-esteem, LGBT Community Connectedness, and sexual behaviors. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and chi-square tests. Results: One-third (32.3%) reported engaging in chemsex in the past year. Those engaged in chemsex were younger and more likely to identify as Indigenous Australians. They reported higher levels of psychological distress, sex negativity, sexual self-esteem and satisfaction with their sex life. Men engaged in chemsex reported a lower degree of connectedness to the LGBT community and were more likely to report adventurous sexual behaviors, including group sex and creating pornographic imagery. Discussion: The association between chemsex and health is complex. While some men report higher sexual self-esteem and satisfaction, their reported involvement in chemsex also correlates with increased psychological distress and lower community connectedness; however, the directionality of associations is unclear and may reflect complex or bidirectional dynamics. Conclusions: Engagement in chemsex is common among Australian GBMSM and is associated with a range of mental health, sexual wellbeing, and social connection outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of developing informed, community-based public health strategies that reflect the complexity of chemsex practices and diverse experiences of men engaged in chemsex.

The digital age has amplified exposure to pornography, particularly among gay and bisexual men, intensifying the ongoing research debate surrounding its impact on well-being. We recruited 632 Australian gay and bisexual men to participate in an online survey to examine the relationship between porn use and their psychosocial/psychosexual well-being. Data on demographics, psychosocial well-being, understandings of sexuality, sexual self-esteem, connectedness to the LGBT community, and porn use, including porn use statements developed for this study, were collected. Most participants reported viewing porn a few times per week or once a day. Associations were identified between frequency, length of porn use, and other concepts. Older participants used porn less frequently, while those with higher psychological distress tended to be at opposite ends/poles of porn use frequency. Higher connectedness to the LGBT community was associated with less frequent porn use. Certain beliefs about porn were correlated with the frequency and length of porn use; for example, participants engaging with ‘kinkier’ porn and considering themselves ‘kinkier’ had longer viewing sessions. The findings offer insights into the interplay between individual characteristics, well-being, and patterns of porn usage in this population, contributing to a deeper understanding of the relationships between these concepts.

Despite the internet’s historical significance for LGBTQ+ identities and communities, contemporary public health research overlooks how gay, bisexual, and queer (GBQ+) men utilise online spaces for sexual expression and connections. This study explores the role of pornographic content creation and sharing on social media among Australian GBQ+ men, addressing the gap in understanding its implications for health and wellbeing. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among N = 596 men (M_age = 36.1 years; SD = 11.4) in Australia, allowing us to investigate their practices of producing and sharing pornographic content on social media. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were employed to explore demographics, psychosexual wellbeing, and motivations for content creation. It was found that 71.3% of participants reported producing sexual self-representations, and 15.1% shared this content publicly on social media, without commercial interest. Participants who produced content (either for sharing privately or publicly) exhibited higher sex positivity and sexual self-esteem than those not producing content. There was no significant difference regarding age or sexual orientation. Qualitative analysis revealed the key motivations for sharing sexual content on social media were for arousal, connection, and validation. These findings underscore the multifaceted motivations behind GBQ+ men’s engagement with pornographic content creation, emphasising its role in social connection and personal validation. Recognising these practices within health frameworks is crucial for understanding and accommodating GBQ+ men’s digital sexual cultures.