Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

Group sex parties (GSP) exemplify the theory of sex as leisure or recreation. However, GSP are also risk environments, where multiple sexual partners and substance use can increase the chances of STI transmission. This talk describes the findings of an exploratory study conducted with GSP attendees and hosts/organisers in Victoria, BC. Several distinct sexual communities were identified, with variation among and within groups in terms of sexual consent and STI disclosure. Interviewees discussed at length the issues of harm reduction and consent, suggesting that these factors contribute to participants' GSP experiences regardless of their sexual community. These insights suggest that GSP could be an avenue to understanding how harm reduction practices could be integrated with the pursuit of sexual pleasure, information applicable in the context of sexuality education programs.