One Life

Youth survey results

Please note that the comments that appear in this section are commonly shared misperceptions about sex and HIV. Having unprotected sex carries risks and can be dangerous. It is important to note that the comments shared in this section are the result of a survey among young people and do not reflect the opinions and positions of the One Life program.

We asked U.

What’s your behaviour… 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”.

“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.”

Despite what U might think, it’s not OK to have unprotected sex – it carries risks and can be dangerous. Besides pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, can have a lifelong impact.

“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”.