Homoerotic Masculinity Through Chemsex. A Cultural Analysis of Substance Uses in Gay Men of Mexico

Psychoactive substance use (PSU) among gay men (GM) has been examined through a biomedical-epidemiological lens. While national studies offer a general overview from a biopsychosocial viewpoint, they fail to explore the cultural influences on PSU. The objective was to analyze the cultural aspects of PSU among GM in Mexico by exploring the social construction of identity as men with a non-normative sexual orientation who experience a distinct form of masculinity while engaging in PSU during sexual activities. Utilizing a symbolic approach in anthropology, specifically in identity and gender studies, three focus groups comprising 19 middle-class gay men aged 22 to 42 were conducted in May 2022 via Zoom Meetings. The information was coded and analyzed using targeted content analysis. Identity, masculinity, and homoeroticism play a crucial role in shaping PSU practices among GM in Mexico, with the interplay of these three cultural dimensions manifesting in the ritualistic practice of sexualized drug use (chemsex), particularly concerning crystal meth.