Understanding the contexts and dynamics of poppers use among gender and sexually diverse people (GSDP) in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

INTRODUCTION

Growing evidence indicates emerging use of alkyl nitrites (poppers) to augment sexual performance, especially among gender and sexually diverse people (GSDP). However, evidence remains limited where dual stigma and criminalisation of drug use and homosexuality impede harm reduction. This article explored how GSDP in urban Bangladesh understood and experienced poppers use within social, sexual and emotional lives.

METHODS

This qualitative study entailed 17 in-depth interviews with GSDP in urban Dhaka, Bangladesh, recruited through snowball sampling. Reflexive thematic analysis was applied in relation to the infrastructures of intimacy framework.

RESULTS

Findings revealed three interconnected themes: (i) Attaching meaning to poppers use: Participants cited poppers use for managing penetration anxiety, achieving social distinction, facilitating sexual fantasy, and as a perceived harm reduction alternative to methamphetamine; (ii) Techniques of regulation and labour of pleasure: participants acquired knowledge about and regulated poppers use through online and offline networks, circulating informal harm reduction practices that addressed tangible harms while under-recognising certain risks; and (iii) Relational and networked ecologies of care: access and information were molded by trust, social capital and discretion within digital spaces while introducing new forms of vulnerability.

CONCLUSION

Poppers use among GSDP in Bangladesh emerged within fragile yet adaptive infrastructures of intimacy, sustained in the absence of formal healthcare systems through peer-driven networks of care, information and trust. Health strategies must build on these systems, and approach harm reduction as a social negotiation of safety, belonging and pleasure rather than behaviour change.