“Silence is costing lives,” says Gareth Thomas as he highlights queer community crisis

Former Wales rugby captain Gareth Thomas is leading a national call to confront what campaigners describe as a hidden crisis affecting the LGBTQ+ community, as new research highlights the scale of drug‑related harm and stigma faced by queer people in the UK.

Research released this week by Grindr and LGBTQ+ non‑profit You Are Loved found that one in five LGBTQ+ people expect to lose someone to a drug‑related death during their lifetime. The findings have prompted renewed calls for more open discussion, better support and an end to stigma around drug use and mental health within the community.

The research also revealed that more than a quarter (28%) of LGBTQ+ people have had sex while using drugs in the past year, yet nearly two‑thirds (63%) said the issue remains heavily stigmatised. Among the wider public, understanding is limited, with six in ten UK adults saying they are unfamiliar with the term chemsex.

Thomas, the first openly gay rugby union player and a long‑standing LGBTQ+ campaigner, said silence and shame were worsening the harm experienced by individuals and communities.

“For too long, people have hidden their struggles for fear of being judged, and that silence fuels a negative cycle of shame and harm,” he said. “No one should feel ashamed to speak out or ask for help. If we start having more open conversations, the stigma starts to break down – and ultimately, we can save lives.”

The call to action comes alongside the launch of Out in the Open, a new content series by Grindr for Equality, the social impact arm of Grindr. Developed in partnership with You Are Loved, the series aims to challenge stigma, explore the realities of chemsex and connect LGBTQ+ people directly with support services.

The first instalment brings together clinicians, harm‑reduction specialists and people with lived experience, as well as contributions from organisations including LGBTQ+ helpline Switchboard and mental wellbeing app Voda. Broadcaster and author Paris Lees is among those sharing personal reflections on addiction, shame and recovery.

Campaigners say the crisis is being driven by a combination of loneliness, pressure within queer spaces, and a lack of safe, non‑judgmental support. The research found key factors behind chemsex included cultural expectations around sex, isolation, and the search for belonging.

Marc Svensson, founder of You Are Loved, said the findings underline the urgent need for accessible and inclusive mental health and addiction services. The research showed two in five LGBTQ+ people want better access to addiction treatment and recovery support, alongside more inclusive mental health care.

Grindr said it has updated in‑app resources to signpost users to support services, with links to You Are Loved and Switchboard now featured in its Safety and Privacy Centre.

Thomas said confronting the issue openly was essential to protecting lives and strengthening community care. “This is about compassion, honesty and support – before people reach crisis point,” he said.

The Out in the Open series is available through Grindr Presents, as well as on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music. Support is available in the UK via youareloved.org.uk or Switchboard on 0800 0119 100.