What is KONTAK?
Kontak is a harm reduction program originally created by and for gbMSM but includes ALL people who PNP and use drugs during/for sex in Montreal. We distribute sex and drug use materials, offer 1-1 counselling and support, educate through outreach, trainings, & workshops, hold community groups, share information and make referrals.
Our services
Sex & Drug Supplies
KONTAK is committed to harm reduction, and to this end, we distribute sex and drug materials to people who need it.
We distribute free drug gear to reduce the risk of HIV and hepatitis C transmission, and free naloxone kits to prevent opioid overdoses. KONTAK workers and volunteers can also get you strips to test for fentanyl in any substance you’re partying with. Not sure how to use them or where to start? We can help with that, too!
We also distribute a wide array of sex materials to prevent the transmission of HIV and other STIs and to empower people to have the sex they want. We distribute some materials for free (a variety of condoms and lube) while others we offer at cost (premium lube, gloves, and sex toys). Trans and enby guys, ask us about our discounts on stand-to-pee devices, packers, and more!
SUPPORT & COUNSELLING
KONTAK offers a wide range of counseling and support services to people who PnP in Montreal.
One-on-one counseling sessions are a safe space for people to talk about and reflect on struggles in their lives such as disclosing HIV status to partners and/or analyzing their use of drugs.
We are a peer-based service, meaning our outreach workers are members of the LGBT community and have lived experience with substance use. We cannot replace a licensed addictions counselor or treatment and rehabilitation center, but we can offer a non-judgmental and open space to discuss what you’re going through.
Kontak also provides referrals to health and social services in Montreal. We maintain ties to these sectors so that we can provide up-to-date information on everything from the changing landscape of opioid overdose prevention to referrals to non-discriminatory health clinics.
OUTREACH & PREVENTION
Kontak aims to give people the tools they need to make informed decisions about their health and educate the community through outreach, information sharing and referrals to help prevent the transmission of HIV, Hepatitis C, and other STBBIs (sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections).
Kontak maintains an active, approachable presence in queer and gay spaces from clubs, sex and fetish parties, queer markets… even at your private party!
Kontak shares information in person and online on harm reduction approaches to using drugs and having sex. Our detailed “TIPS ‘N’ TRICKS” guide is an accessible online resource covering a wide range of subjects related to sexual health and drug use.
Trainings & Workshops
KONTAK offers workshops on a variety of topics catering to the needs of communities. We also work with other community organizations, sexual health clinics, universities, and even the Department of Public Health offering trainings on subjects such as chemsex intervention 101. We are committed to ensuring that services across Montreal are as inclusive as possible. See our WORKSHOPS page to find out more.
From more structured series to one-time trainings, we want to make sure you get the information you need. Want us to come to your place and teach your friends how to inject safely? Want to set up a Naloxone training for your community organization? What to know what booty bumping and boofing is? KONTAK us!
Commitment to inclusion
KONTAK asserts our commitment to provide services and support to the most marginalized and invisibilized members of our community. Our workshops and support services are available to ALL. This includes gbmsm, trans & non-binary people, people living with or without HIV, sex workers, differently abled people, neurodivergent people, people from Indigenous, migrant, newcomer, Black and racialized communities.
The team
Chemsex Outreach Coordinator - Kayla
Kayla is a social service worker with a background in harm reduction and grief work. Through the Kontak program, Kayla works with Party and Play/Chemsex community. Their work focuses on harm reduction in community outreach, education, material distribution, and creating safer spaces for community members to meet and support each other.
Chemsex Support Coordinator - Timothy
Timothy is our ChemSex Support coordinator, providing non-judgmental, harm-reduction support to community members. His role includes one-on-one support, connecting members with relevant resources and services, and facilitating peer support groups focused on PnP, ChemSex, connection, and community.
Volunteers
KONTAK is a small team that has a whole community to support with a wide range of activities and information and we could not exist without our volunteers. They join us at parties and events, help with social media, support our group sessions, and do outreach. You’ll likely run into them if you see the KONTAK banner at your local sex party, bar, or rave. If you identify with the communities and work we do and are interested in a unique volunteering experience, you can register to be a KONTAK volunteer below!