From a health perspective, group sex parties represent risk environments, as multiple sexual partners and polysubstance use associated with these parties may present risk practices for sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission. At the same time, group sex parties exemplify sex as recreation, expressed in contemporary sociological theory as sex as leisure or play. In this paper, we report on the findings of an exploratory qualitative study conducted with group sex party attendees and hosts/organisers in a mid-sized Canadian city. Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with thirteen individuals identified several sexual communities based on gender composition, sexual orientation, and sexual practice, with variation among and within groups in terms of sexual consent and STI disclosure. All the interviewees discussed at length issues of harm reduction and consent, suggesting that these factors contribute to participants' group sex party experiences regardless of their sexual community. These insights highlight the potential use of group sex parties as avenues to understanding the integration of harm reduction practices with the pursuit of sexual pleasure, information applicable in the context of a wide range of sexuality education programmes.
Keywords: Canada; Group sex; risk perception; sex as leisure; sex education; sexual consent.