Comments on: Dying – forever younger

By: WS

WS — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 04:30:36 +0000

The TAC / RTA advertising campaigns suggest there may be a use of ‘Scare Mongereling….’ [I am from the country you know!] but that it becomes ineffective as people become desensitized to them.
I am not against the use of illegal drugs, or the most destructive one in contemporary society – alcohol. I just get really upset when people don’t realize their potential – whatever that may be.
The most creative people, the best artists, the most out-there designers, the most amazing people-people: lost to society and to our community more particularly because of drugs/alcohol.
Moderation is good, living a healthy active lifstyle is fun, and provides balance in our sedentary lives.

Phil:
I am not sure about the stats re: gay / straight society drug use. I have reviewed literature on the ‘net but nothing is really current. In 2005 the BBC reported ‘unverified sources’ – surveys taken in gyms showing lots of Ice use in the gay population.
Stevie Clayton former CEO of ACON would be able to quote a dozen bits of research on this issue.

By: Billy

Billy — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 05:01:12 +0000

Wally – see what you have started. Last week you talked about politically correct/incorrect fat people, now drugs. I thought you were a sports writer. Maybe trying to attract people into sport by promoting how exciting / healthy the sports are. Scare mongering / calling people out is a short term get the numbers in approach. Maybe the promotion of how exciting a volleyball game can get, or the adrenaline rush from scoring that medal winning goal in soccer!!! If we are to remove ourselves from the stereotyping that others do we need to remember not every gay guy goes out dancing every weekend and takes drugs.

By: Phil Scott

Phil Scott — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 07:43:03 +0000

Do gay people take more illicit drugs than other sections of Australian society? Not that I mean to downgrade the dangers of overdosing, I just wondered if there was any statistic evidence about it?

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 01:27:39 +0000

The general acceptance of excessive drug use – including alcohol – in the G&L community is so widespread that there’s actually an expectation that you will use drugs and/or drink heavily in social situations. If you don’t, you’re considered odd or not part of the team – just like the broader Australian society really.

I loathe being around people (straight or gay) who are drunk or out of it – they’re unpleasant and their behavior’s unpredictable. So I stay well away.

Just like the rest of the country, the G&L community needs to learn to respect the decisions of those folks who don’t want another drink (or any drink at all) or don’t want to pop a pill or do a line, instead of looking askance at them and trying to goad them into joining in with the rest of the boozed-up drug-whacked crowd.

Bravo, Wally, for tackling an issue that many people in the community refuse to face.

By: Mish Glitter Pony

Mish Glitter Pony — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:38:45 +0000

Gary – what about alcohol and cigarettes and just general poor health? What about driving? I think you’ll find any one of those kills more than these “illicit” drugs.

We need to focus on WHY people take these drugs (dangerously) rather than focusing on the drugs themselves.

By: Dan

Dan — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 02:22:59 +0000

Gary, you are the ultimate wowser…piss off

By: Gary Burns

Gary Burns — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 21:06:41 +0000

illicit drugs kill !
This message needs to resonate loudly with those pushing the “harm minimisation” message.
This fluffy term wont stop those from overdosing and dying because of one’s taking of too many illicit drugs.
Lets dance but let not kill ourselves !