My drug dealer bought my plane ticket to treatment

This week’s guest, Ross, identifies as Queer and demisexual, which means only feeling sexually attracted to someone with whom they have an emotional bond. Ross came to Pride from New York City with zero dollars in his bank account. His drug of choice was meth, which he notes helped him have intense spiritual, emotional, and physical connections with others. He discusses the Party & Play scene (also known as chemsex), the era of HIV disclosure and the stigma that came with having a positive status, and the importance of “bumper sticker” sayings in recovery. Ross is currently pursuing his Master’s in Counseling Psychology. He became sober on February 3, 2009.