One Life

Youth survey results

We asked you.

What’s your behavior… with who, what and where?

See it all.

We asked U. 18-30-year-olds, in night clubs of all kinds – straight, gay, bisexual, trendy and established. Between 8 and 10 pm, then 10 to midnight, midnight to 2 am, and then 2 am and beyond. U said :

“Guys pressure girls more when it comes to the first time, and are not very understanding of girls’ needs”

Youth focus groups 2007– Head and Hands, Montreal

Is it OK to pressure someone into having sex?

17% of U already have been pressured into having uprotected sex.

“No. I have pressured some women into having unprotected sex. It wasn't a pretty situation. They resented me afterwards for having pressured them. They had a little too much to drink/ grass and I guess I took advantage of them. I wasn't happy with myself afterwards.”

“It is highly likely youth will graduate from high school without having received any sex education, let alone one that would comply with the Ministry of Education’s own standards.”

Reforms and Reality: Sexual Education in Quebec 2006– Head and Hands, Montreal

Is it Ok to have unprotected sex?

67% of U think it OK to have unprotected sex.

“Yes, if it’s consentual, and if both parties understand the risks involved and are prepared to suffer the consequences of their actions.”

“More risk for greater pleasure.”

“Unprotected sex between men continues to account for the largest proportion of new HIV infections. One in three living with HIV are unaware that they are infected”.

AIDS epidemic update Regional Summary – World health organization 2007

“It’s better without a condom. You can feel the human heat.”

“Without a condom it’s more animal, more wild.”

“It’s more important to use condoms when you don’t know the person. With love and trust, you don’t have to worry”.

Youth focus groups 2007– Head and Hands, Montreal

When you had unprotected sex, what made you do it?

“Because I was attracted by his verbal charm.”

“Because she was worth it.”

“Didn't want to waste an opportunity.”

“Of the estimated 58 000 [48 000–68 000] people living with HIV in 2005, just over one half (51%) of the infections were attributed to unprotected sex between men, 17% to injecting drug use, and 27% to unprotected heterosexual intercourse”.

AIDS epidemic update Regional Summary – World health organization 2007

Have you ever been tested for sexually transmitted diseases? If yes, when did you do it and what made you do it?

92% of U don’t trust and are doubtful about their partners

“My girlfriend lies a lot. I couldn’t trust her.”

“Because of a guy I had unprotected sex with and I couldn’t trust him .”

“Yes since I had a lot of partners.”

What do you think of people who don’t get tested?

39% of U think it is irresponsible not to get tested

27% of U say you are unaware and oblivious to the danger

36% of U think your partner is clean

Many people think those who don’t get tested are IRRESPONSIBLE or UNAWARE of the dangers :

“The people who don’t get tested are stupid.”

“Those who don’t get tested, I think they are naïve.”

“It’s irresponsible not to do it.”

“Those who don’t it’s because they are afraid of the truth.”

“It’s not my problem.”

“The notion of respect for yourself as an individual and a citizen of a society is at stake. For some people you are no longer a respectable person? Indeed how could you be respectable when you don’t even respect yourself?”