Dan Harry certainly isn’t afraid of the spotlight.
He first grabbed our attention as a charming contestant on the BBC’s “I Kissed a Boy,” the groundbreaking gay dating show that had everyone swooning in 2023.
But it turns out Dan’s impact stretches far beyond reality TV romance: the British media personality has become a fierce LGBTQ+ health advocate, shining a light on HIV prevention and tackling the tough issue of chemsex addiction.
A Letter That Goes Beyond Gossip
Recently, Dan penned a heartfelt letter for Out.com, recounting an intense personal experience he had in the London nightlife scene—an underground party phenomenon typically referred to as “chillouts,” or simply, chemsex gatherings.
Though we’re used to seeing Dan grace our screens with that signature smile, his letter unveils a darker chapter: his night gone wrong in a flashy Soho penthouse, the swirling chaos of drugs, and the oh-so-unexpected moment he realized he’d burned his chest hair on a hot pipe.
From BBC Star to Queer Health Champion
For those who’ve followed Dan post-I Kissed a Boy, you’ll know that chemsex wasn’t his only brush with adversity.
In 2024, he fronted the BBC documentary “HIV, PrEP & Me,” demystifying HIV prevention and championing the life-changing importance of PrEP.
+Related: ‘I Kissed a Boy’ Dan Harry Stars in HIV Trial Film
He went further by volunteering in an HIV vaccine trial, determined to fuel new advancements in medical research.
And as if that wasn’t enough, Dan’s also spoken candidly about enduring a homophobic incident at King’s Cross station, reflecting how hate still simmers in places we least expect.
Naked Moments & Near Misses
So what compelled Dan to share these personal truths?
In his letter, he reveals how easy it is to get sucked into the swirl of a Friday night in London—particularly for newcomers.
One minute, you’re innocently flirting at a club or hooking up on an app; the next, you’re stumbling into an after-hours scene with a cocktail of GHB, mephedrone, and crystal meth.
As Dan recounts in gut-churning detail, it’s all fun and games… until you realize you’re not just dabbling in party drugs; you’re risking mental health, relationships, and your very life.
But amidst all the sweaty chaos, Dan’s ultimate message in the Out.com letter is one of hope: that no matter how deep you fall, there are roads back to sobriety, to stable health, and to reclaiming your sense of self.
A Voice for Change
This is hardly Dan Harry’s first time using his story to spark dialogue. After finishing I Kissed a Boy, he discovered that personal transparency has the power to not only change his own life but also help countless others.
By discussing everything from the humiliation of a homophobic spat to the highs and lows of sexual health activism, Dan is forging a path for honest, compassionate conversation within the LGBTQ+ community.
The Road Ahead
As we know, combating chemsex is tricky: law and health systems aren’t always well-equipped to support queer folks wrestling with addiction.
Dan’s letter hints that more resources—like harm-reduction services, specialized clinics, and better funding—are critical.
Meanwhile, he calls on each of us to watch out for our friends and remain vigilant in these “chillout” circles.
Between HIV activism, a memorable cameo in an HIV vaccine trial, and braving the mental and physical toll of chemsex recovery, Dan Harry represents the best of what can happen when someone emerges from crisis with a renewed sense of purpose.
In short, this candid letter isn’t just a “scandalous tale” from London’s nightlife. It’s a clarion call from a man who’s seen how quickly chemsex can spiral—and how vital it is to find help, keep talking, and stand up for each other in a community that’s faced more than its fair share of challenges.
So, whether you’re a devoted fan from his BBC dating days, or you’re just discovering Dan Harry as a leading voice in LGBTQ+ health, one thing is clear: He’s out here telling it like it is—no sugarcoating, no censorship—and we’re all the better for it.
For more on Dan Harry’s bold activism and personal reflections, check out his chemsex confessional letter on Out.com, and keep an eye on the essential resources he shares—because if his journey proves anything, it’s that none of us have to face these battles alone.
For more information and access to free support, visit ControllingChemsex.com.
+Related: More Gay Love: ‘I Kissed a Boy’ Renewed for Season 2