Grok says:
Historically, poppers gained popularity in gay male subcultures, particularly from the 1970s onward, during the rise of disco and club scenes where they were sold as “room odorizers” or “video head cleaners” to skirt legal restrictions. Their appeal in these spaces stemmed from their effects: a quick high, heightened sensory experience, and relaxation of smooth muscles, including the anal sphincter, which can make sexual activity—especially anal sex—more comfortable or enjoyable. Since anal sex is more common among gay men than straight populations (though not exclusive to them), this practical benefit likely boosted their use in gay communities.
Culturally, poppers became embedded in gay nightlife and sexual contexts, reinforced by their presence in bathhouses, bars, and pornographic media aimed at gay men. A 2021 study from the University of Chicago found 35% of gay and bisexual men reported using poppers in the past year, compared to just 3% of straight men, suggesting a significant disparity tied to these social environments. The drug’s association with liberation and hedonism during the pre-AIDS era further cemented its status as a gay cultural staple, even as its use persisted post-HIV crisis.
Straight people, by contrast, have less historical or subcultural attachment to poppers. While some straight individuals use them—often in kink or party scenes—their sexual practices (e.g., less frequent anal sex) and social spaces (e.g., fewer straight equivalents to gay bathhouses) don’t align as directly with poppers’ effects or marketing.
Physiologically, there’s no evidence gay men respond differently to poppers than straight people—effects like vasodilation and euphoria are universal. The difference is more about context and adoption. Gay men’s higher use likely reflects a feedback loop: practical utility in sex, amplified by community norms, sustained by visibility in gay culture. Straights might experiment (e.g., at raves or via niche interests), but without that reinforcing cycle, it’s less prevalent.
