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timmy
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Has no life at all |
Location: UK, in Devon
Registered: February 2003
Messages: 13785
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Author of Queer Me! Halfway Between Flying and Crying - the true story of life for a gay boy in the Swinging Sixties in a British all male Public School
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saben
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On fire! |
Registered: May 2003
Messages: 1537
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If that poll was purely conducted using the opinions of young people I'd be a lot more worried about the future of young people who, as the article says are "high risk". Attitudes amongst the older generation are understandable and in general, harder to change, but if the younger generation has had the essential AIDS education in school hopefully it won't become a problem.
Look at this tree. I cannot make it blossom when it suits me nor make it bear fruit before its time [...] No matter what you do, that seed will grow to be a peach tree. You may wish for an apple or an orange, but you will get a peach.
Master Oogway
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timmy
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Has no life at all |
Location: UK, in Devon
Registered: February 2003
Messages: 13785
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How many young people do you know who practise safe sex?
Of the young people that you know, how many go reguarly to the sexual health clinics to get regular check ups for all sexually transmitted diseases?
Of the young peole that you know, how many know where their nearest clinic is?
I have no way of knowing the answers, but I suspect that condom use is as widespread as it was in my teenage years, and that only those who are worrieed visit the clinics.. This is the same as for the older generations, probabaly.
I am not talking about homosexual young people. I am talking of all young people.
Author of Queer Me! Halfway Between Flying and Crying - the true story of life for a gay boy in the Swinging Sixties in a British all male Public School
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saben
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On fire! |
Registered: May 2003
Messages: 1537
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As you say, the numbers can't really be known. But I can speak for myself and say that although it is never really necessary, there is always a condom in my wallet "just in case" and my wallet is always in my pocket whenever I am not at home. Teenage pregnancy, from what I observed seemed to spike around the 80s and since then, from what I can see in my hometown at least, the numbers seem to be declining steadily. This seems to be a good indication.
As for how many youth visit sexual health clinics- probably not many- but I do hope and think that condom use is reasonably common, especially amongst people having one night stands. I went to both public (ages 4-12; 16-18) and private (12-16) schools and I had sex ed first when I was 11 (mostly about puberty) again at 12 (primarily focused on puberty but with some discussion of sex and safe sex) and then again at 15 (with the focus almost solely on safe sex, whether or not to have sex, the mature approach to having sex, etc). If I had been only in the public system I believe I would have had even more sex ed classes (if discussions with people that were in the public system are any indication).
People may not do much more than use condoms and there may be cases where condoms aren't used, but I think the majority of people my age, in Australia at least, are aware that they SHOULD be using condoms and they are aware of the various diseases they can get regardless of sexuality through sexual activity. They are also aware that condoms aren't just to avoid pregnancy, too and they know the basics of most sexually transmitted infections, too. And they also know that some activities such as mutual masturbation are "safer" than intercourse, but that the safest method is not having sex at all. Whether they apply it or not is another matter, but they have education- all the education they should have.
Look at this tree. I cannot make it blossom when it suits me nor make it bear fruit before its time [...] No matter what you do, that seed will grow to be a peach tree. You may wish for an apple or an orange, but you will get a peach.
Master Oogway
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timmy
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Has no life at all |
Location: UK, in Devon
Registered: February 2003
Messages: 13785
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All points well made. One question, though:
You are a young person. You have had sex. It is likely that you have had sex with more than one partner. Have you ever had a sexual health check?
I am not singling you out. The question is open to all.
And, as an old fart, I can tell you that I have. I actually went to one when I was 17. More recently I went in order to find out what takes place there as research for the site.
Author of Queer Me! Halfway Between Flying and Crying - the true story of life for a gay boy in the Swinging Sixties in a British all male Public School
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saben
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On fire! |
Registered: May 2003
Messages: 1537
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No, I haven't, but next time I have a check up with my regular doctor I am planning on asking him about it. I have had enough sexual partners and enough "semi-safe" sex (external ejaculations, but no condoms used) since leaving Australia last time that I would rather play it safe and just get the green flag. I am long overdue, though, not just for a sexual health check up, but for a regular check up, too. Last time I remember having a needle is when I was 12, I'm sure at least a few immunisations would need updating by now, especially since I've gone overseas to 7 new countries in that time. I'm moving to Melbourne in 28 hours, though. I'll do it all once I'm over there.
Look at this tree. I cannot make it blossom when it suits me nor make it bear fruit before its time [...] No matter what you do, that seed will grow to be a peach tree. You may wish for an apple or an orange, but you will get a peach.
Master Oogway
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timmy
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Has no life at all |
Location: UK, in Devon
Registered: February 2003
Messages: 13785
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Other nations will differ. Here in the UK the Sexual Health Clnics are regulated by Act of Parliament and are guaranteed to be anonymous, odldy UNLESS you are referred there by your doctor when the tests and results and attendance become a part of your medical record.
Here you are known by a number, a forename of your choice and a birthdate of your choice. And no-one can know who you are because you do not have to say who you are.
This is important because just being tested for HIV can still alter insurance premiums for life insurance etc. With this UK scheme you may lie in confience that no-one can ever find out
Author of Queer Me! Halfway Between Flying and Crying - the true story of life for a gay boy in the Swinging Sixties in a British all male Public School
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