The Sexu Club is launching the “Oh yes” campaign to encourage young people to prioritize condoms, protection methods, and STI screenings. The campaign is particularly focused on college students (Cégépiens) due to alarming statistics.

Between 2021 and 2022, Quebec experienced a 21% increase in gonorrhea cases, with 25% of those cases occurring in the 15-24 age group. Chlamydia cases also rose by 11% during the same period, with 52% of cases affecting 15-24 year olds. Infectious syphilis saw a significant jump as well, with 12% of cases in the same age bracket.

The campaign aims to empower young people to take control of their sexual health by providing them with relevant information and resources.

Morag Bosom, a sexologist and content designer for Sexu Club, emphasizes the challenges young people face in prioritizing sexual health amidst busy schedules and responsibilities. The campaign seeks to offer concrete and easy steps to integrate safe sex practices into their lives.

The Influence of Social Media

Social media plays a significant role in shaping the attitudes and behaviors of young adults. Bosom highlights the negative influence of some male influencers who promote harmful messages about sexuality.

“They are bombarded with messages that can sow confusion in terms of sexuality, particularly masculinist or sexist speeches, which can bring changes in terms of habits, such as the trivialization of the condom or not wanting to put itself in a situation of vulnerability by speaking of STIs with her friends or her partner,” she explains.

This influence can lead to the abandonment of safe sex practices. Bosom cites the example of influencers who portray asking a partner for an STI screening before removing a condom as a sign of distrust.

“Young people do not always have the tools to understand that in contrast, it can be a sign of confidence and wanting to take care of yourself and the other. So that’s why we want to position ourselves as a positive counterweight,” Bosom states.

Focusing on Positive Reinforcement

The “Oh yes” campaign adopts a positive approach, acknowledging the challenges young people face while celebrating their efforts to overcome them without discomfort or pressure.

Sexu Club believes this approach is crucial. “There is still a shame associated with STIs and sexuality in general. It’s really vital to have that in mind when you want to get messages, after you have to make sure the message gets through. There is no point in having a message that claims to perfection,” Bosom explains.

The campaign focuses on reality,celebrating small actions and acknowledging that they are not always easy. It recognizes the potential embarrassment of asking a partner to use a condom, buying condoms at the pharmacy, or disclosing a positive STI test result. Sexu Club aims to acknowledge these efforts, provide resources, and congratulate individuals for taking action.

The campaign will be implemented in CEGEPs and online platforms.The website offers a list of local STI screening resources, interactive games, and tools to assess the need for testing.