Sniffies' Cruising Confessions Sex, Drugs, and Harm Reduction
Jul 24, 2025
Joss Barton, a poet and performance artist exploring the lives of trans women, shares her compelling journey through chemsex and its intersection with identity. She reflects on her transformative experiences with drugs and sex, highlighting the stigma faced by trans women. Joss also discusses the humorous mishaps of chemsex, like an unforgettable zip tie incident. Alongside a harm reduction expert, they tackle essential tips for safer substance use and the role of community support in navigating these intimate and sometimes perilous spaces.
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Acid Trip Sparks Gender Realization
- Joss Barton decided to transition after a transformative acid trip that revealed her gender identity.
- She humorously recounts nearly engaging in sex with trash bags mistaking them for partners while tripping.
Trans Chemsex Is Often Intimate
- Chemsex experiences differ for trans people, often more one-on-one versus group sessions common with cis queer men.
- Trans users tend to be hypervigilant about safety to manage risks with unfamiliar partners.
Art Breaks Drug Use Stigma
- Openly integrating substance use into art helps dismantle internalized stigma and shame around drug use.
- Honest portrayal fosters dignity in reflecting complex lived experiences including joy, grief, and ecstasy.