Troye Sivan’s latest Instagram post speaks volumes about his reaction to the FDA’s increasing scrutiny of poppers, a popular recreational drug in the LGBTQ+ community. The gay singer and actor, known for his hit song “Rush,” shared his thoughts with followers in a playful yet somber way, acknowledging the shift in the landscape of poppers’ availability and use. On Sunday, Sivan posted a photo of himself with a sad expression—quite the contrast to his more upbeat appearance on the cover art for his song “Rush,” which was heavily inspired by the effects of poppers.

Sivan’s post, which included the caption “mfw the poppers party is over,” was a clear response to the growing controversy surrounding poppers, a substance commonly used in club scenes and by people in the queer community for its euphoric effects. The song “Rush,” a standout track from his latest album Something to Give Each Other, reached number 77 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the Hot Dance/Electronic chart. In the song, Sivan sings, “You got my heartbeat racing / My body blazing / I feel the rush / Addicted to your touch,” drawing a direct comparison between the rush felt from poppers and the intense emotions of love and desire.

Troye Sivan reacts to poppers manufacturer Double Scorpio suspending operations following FDA search & seizure:

“I felt the rush” pic.twitter.com/2oBEBekvs1

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) March 31, 2025

Sivan’s Instagram story comes in the wake of increasing regulatory pressure on poppers from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an issue that has sparked a great deal of debate across social media. In particular, Sivan’s reaction seemed to be in direct response to an article by The New York Times, which asked the question, “Is the Poppers Party Over?” The piece outlined the FDA’s crackdown on certain manufacturers of the substance, which has long been used as a party enhancer, especially in the LGBTQ+ community. In the story, various popular brands of poppers were shown alongside commentary about the potential end of the poppers era.

The New York Times Instagram post about the article quickly became a hotbed for comments, many of which expressed frustration with the FDA’s focus on poppers, given the context of more pressing health issues facing the nation. One Instagram user, @grantgold_, remarked, “Won’t do anything for a measles outbreak or public health funding, but god forbid there’s poppers. Such a joke.” Another user, @lowercaseletter, added, “America banned poppers faster than guns.” Comments like these reflect a sense of disbelief that poppers, a substance used primarily within the LGBTQ+ community, are receiving such heavy regulation while other public health issues remain unresolved.

 

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The FDA’s actions have led to tangible consequences for businesses that rely on selling poppers. In March, the company Double Scorpio, which sold poppers under the brand name Double Scorpio Cleaner, ceased all operations following a search and seizure conducted by the FDA at its offices. The company wiped its website and social media accounts, replacing them with a statement that referenced the government action. The statement, dated March 13, 2025, expressed gratitude to the company’s supporters and reassured the public that it would continue to communicate through alternative channels moving forward.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported us these last eight years,” the statement read. “We’ve always cared about making an authentic product and being engaged with and supporting our community.” Double Scorpio went on to explain that they were not the only company affected, noting that the FDA had conducted similar actions against other manufacturers and sellers of poppers. Pac-West Distributing, which produces the Rush brand of poppers, also wiped its website following similar concerns.

The FDA’s crackdown has garnered heightened attention due to the involvement of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was recently appointed secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under President Donald Trump. Kennedy, who has a long history of controversial views, has previously claimed that poppers are linked to AIDS, citing unproven associations between the substance and the virus. “The virus is a passenger virus, and these people are dying mainly because of poppers,” Kennedy said in a video. He also argued that a significant portion of the first AIDS-related deaths involved individuals who had used poppers.

These claims have been widely criticized by the scientific community, with many experts disputing the supposed connection between poppers and AIDS. However, the resurgence of anti-poppers sentiment under Kennedy’s leadership has sparked concern among many in the LGBTQ+ community, especially since poppers are widely used by individuals at gay clubs, parties, and other spaces within the community.

While the FDA’s crackdown continues, the broader conversation around poppers has revealed a deeper cultural divide, particularly when it comes to regulation of substances that have a disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. For many in the queer community, poppers have become a ritualistic part of their nightlife and socializing, and the ongoing effort to restrict access to the substance is seen as yet another form of regulatory overreach targeting the LGBTQ+ community.

Troye Sivan, known for his advocacy on LGBTQ+ issues, has once again used his platform to draw attention to the issue. By sharing his thoughts on Instagram, Sivan not only expressed personal disappointment but also underscored the cultural significance of poppers in the queer community. His song “Rush,” with its catchy hook and bold lyrics, has become an anthem of sorts for those who have embraced the effects of the drug, and the artist’s reaction to the crackdown highlights the tension between personal expression and regulatory control.

As the FDA’s crackdown on poppers continues, it remains to be seen how this issue will unfold in the coming months. For now, artists like Sivan, who have closely intertwined their music with queer culture, continue to bring attention to the evolving debates surrounding substance use and regulation, shedding light on the intersection of public health policy and personal identity.