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MAX Ottawa

MAX logo on top left, the words Spill the Tea is written in white, on top of a purple background. The VIIV Healthcare and Capital Pride logo are in the bottom left.

History

Party and Play, also called chemsex or PnP,  is a commonly used term among guys into guys for using drugs before or during sex. MAX recognizes this is one of many ways guys connect with each other, like bars, apps, sports, activism, groups. However, the unique stigma surrounding drugs and sex is a barrier to having discussions in our communities that stop many from accessing the tools they need to party and play more safely. These can include:

  • Accessing harm reduction supplies such as injection kits, needles, and Naloxone kits
  • Getting regular HIV and STI testing performed
  • Seeking social and peer support and
  • Speaking to service providers and health professionals

In response to this, MAX, in partnership with ViiV Healthcare and Capital Pride, have launched Spill the Tea, which focuses on safer partying education and awareness and getting guys into guys in the Ottawa region connected to information and resources.

How are we doing that?

Hosting three events over the year at local social venues with drag queens to provide a fun and safe environment.

The kickoff edition of Spill the Tea took place on August 23, 2018. The event featured Shea Coulee, RuPaul’s season 9 top four queen, Anaconda LaSabrosa from Montreal, Mikiki from Toronto, and local queen Devona Coe at the 27 Club. Alongside Somerset West Health Centre and Ottawa Public Health, we supplied almost 800 safer partying supplies for attendees.

About Program

Spill the Tea is a health and wellness intervention program to deliver safer partying education and awareness among guys into guys who participate in party and play, sometimes referred to as chemsex.

Photos from Past Events

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