Seizing the Narrative: Let Tragedy Be the Catalyst for Harm Reduction

[divider]Changing the Narrative[/divider]

Virtually every rave death reported by mainstream media outlets is done so with the simple thesis of “raves kill kids.” Even in the Northwest, we’re inundated with this message, evidenced by KOMO’s story covering the death following Life in Color.

“A drug often used in clubs has claimed the life of another young adult, and this time it happened at a rave inside the Tacoma Dome.

Now the victim’s family and friends are warning others about the dangers of the drug.”

Without even going into the fact that Shane passed at the hospital in the ensuing days and not “at a rave,” the article goes on to decry the undependability of testing kits, sternly advising abstinence over all else. Simply put, the narrative doesn’t belong to the people it effects the most. So let’s take it back. The message we need to push isn’t complicated: Keep each other safe.

Write to your local representative so we can amend the RAVE Act to allow Dancesafe into our festivals with testing kits. If you and your friends choose to partake yourselves, test your drugs. Those “undependable” test kits that KOMO was referring to cost $65, and could potentially save your life. A complete set tests for the following: MDxx, Methamphetamine, Ketamine, 2-TC-T-x, Cocaine, Methylone, PMA/PMMA, Oxycodone, DXM, MDPV, Mephedrone, Morphine/Codeine, Speed, 2C-B, and BZP. Additionally, it comes with a test to discern the difference between pure MDMA and MDA. It’s thorough, far from unreliable, and with laws being what they are, empowers us to make responsible decisions.