Ad campaign meant to buck barebacking photo: Courtesy San Francisco AIDS Foundation, 2001

Though the numbers are not available for chez nous yet, it's plausible that Quebec will see a similar rise. Egging HIV along is the emergence of crystal meth amongst the circuit party scene, surging condom fatigue resulting in "barebacking" (anal sex without protection) and a marginal group of people known as "bug chasers" who willingly seek out infected partners for the purpose of infecting themselves. Conversely there are "gift givers," those who willingly share the virus with uninfected partners.

Séro Zéro development and communications agent Kathy Tremblay says, "In Montreal we can't say that we have a crisis [with crystal meth]... But that doesn't mean that we won't."

The dangers stem from the hardcore hypersexual effects of crystal meth, which when coupled with intensely lowered inhibitions can lead men to have sex with multiple partners for hours longer and with less discomfort, and give little thought to protection. Though crystal is being blamed for new infections amongst the community, as HIV is becoming less stigmatized due to a whole host of promising new treatment options, apathy is also to blame.

"From what we know, barebacking is something that is there in Montreal as well," says Tremblay, "but it's in a minority of the gay population. And this idea of people trying to get HIV, it's still a minority of this minority."

The obvious question remains: Why would people willingly infect themselves with HIV or be so blasé about the virus that they are indifferent when it comes to protection? One theory, says Tremblay, is that some people think, "It's going to be done [anyway], so I don't have to worry about it any more."

According to Palm Springs PhD and psychologist J.M. Evosevich, who administers a staff of 150 health care workers, "Psychologically, some of it has to do with low self-esteem, some of it is self-loathing behaviour and being sex addicted... the sex is more important than the consequences."

"With gay men in particular, a lot of [sex] is about soothing themselves, the anxiety around who they are, what they are." The psychology behind bug chasing is complicated, but Evosevich cites the desire to belong to a group as a factor, since "a lot of people rally around HIV and so it has a lot of social networking and support, projects and organizations." What also comes into play is attention-seeking behaviour and a desire for the intimacy that condoms interrupt. "They want to have that flow [of bodily fluids] happening because it makes them feel connected somehow."

Perpetuating the culture of AIDS apathy are those in the under-30 crowd who were not old enough to remember the trauma of the epidemic that rocked the gay community in the '80s, says AIDS sufferer and activist Louis-Michel Taillefer, who is communications director for the Farha Foundation. "It's the younger ones who have this very kind of off idea about HIV and AIDS because they think since there is medication, you take one or three pills a day and you're fine for the rest of your life, which is very far from the truth."

His own life is proof of this. "The biggest thing is that I have to remember to take 17 pills a day." For as much as Taillefer insists that "there are no advantages to getting HIV," he is still aware that people seek out the disease. He knows as many as five different people who have approached an HIV-positive friend of his here in Montreal for the purposes of infecting themselves.

Taillefer argues that being bombarded by pharmaceutical ads that depict life as almost "too normal" with HIV confuses the issue. "Some advocacy groups have begun telling the different pharmaceutical companies to stop making ads with these beautiful, sculpted male models for HIV drugs." Taillefer insists that, more than anything, people need to be informed and educated about HIV transmission, but sadly Quebec's education system is not on board.

Staggering results came from the Public Health Agency of Canada 2003 report entitled "The Canadian Youth, Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Study (CYSHHAS)," which compared the attitudes of youth towards HIV/AIDS in 1989 to those in 2002. "Two-thirds of grade 7 students and half of grade 9 students do not know that there is no cure for HIV/AIDS. Students in 2002 generally exhibited lower levels of sexual knowledge than those who participated in the 1989 CYAS [study]." Sex education for the most part has been formally cut out of the curriculum in Quebec as of this school year, and its teaching is up to the discretion of the individual schools and their employees.

 
 

		Write your comment on this article!

Long shot but, JAY BROTHERTON     im a student doing a project on the stigma of barebacking. I like the direction of your opinion....please, I would love to interview you for my project (for a concordia AIDS course) please contact me nancynapolitano@hotmail.com hoping this works
Nancy Napolitano		January 25th, 2009
Choice?     it's a tough issue to discuss, but I personaly feel we should review the way we educate the young ones on the matter of AIDS. I have been associated with an AIDS prevention organization for a project and was enthusiastic about the methods used to share information and awareness guidelines concerning the virus. Now that barebacking and such have been identified as potential problems for young gay men who are tentavily discovering a gay environment, I strongly hope that the different programs offered will include extensive discussion on the matter. You know, just to make sure your choice isn't really someone else's.
Antony Fournier	{14 votes}	February 18th, 2006
A Frightening Reality     It's true that HIV is on the rise and that it remains an incurable disease that ultimately leads to death. It is also true that what could best be described as a barebacking culture has not only come into existence but is an entrenched part of the gay reality. I am gay. I do not condone or practice unprotected sex but I have no choice other than to acknowledge that it does take place. There are many theories that have been tossed around about why this reversal of common sense is taking place but I don't think that at this juncture theories are important. HIV is every bit as horrific as it was in the early 1980's. The only thing that has changed is that it is now regarded as commonplace. The solution remains education about the consequences of unprotected sex. For that education to be taken seriously by the gay community, and perhaps the population at large, it has to be done in a sex-positive way... any hint that abstenence is the way to go will result in a furtherance of the, "fuck you, I'll live my life my way" mind set.
Tony Gibbs	{8 votes}	February 16th, 2006
Practice what you preach     It is all too easy to say that people should always use protection when with a new partner, and until they know that both parties are 'clean'. However, I am pretty sure that most people have also experienced the reality of not using protection, of getting caught up in the moment, or whatever other reason makes you forget or not bother to use anything. Yes, it is ridiculous that in this day and age of HIV and other nasty infectious diseases to be had from the joy of lovefuck sans rubber we are still somewhat apathetic about condoms... but this is the reality. Everyone hates those stinky rubber sensory deprivators; you would think that something more enjoyable would have been invented by now. So I beg all who work for Durex, Torjan et al. to start coming up with some new ideas and materials for heightened enjoyment while shagging with a rainhat... until then, I shall try harder to remember the rubbers.
Ellen Reid	{8 votes}	February 15th, 2006
Who the fuck are you to judge?!!     In response to the Feb 9 comment, I shall begin by saying I am a 29 year old, HIV-, queer male who has chosen to have protected sex but has also chosen to have unprotected sex - sometimes with monogamous partners, sometimes with strangers. I realize that associating myself as queer necessitates some sort of expectant 'good behaviour', that I should know better, having learned from the misfortunes, 'mistakes' and 'stupidity' of brothers who've come before me. Yet more and more I find myself infuriated by this tired attitude along with the complimentary shame and guilt it casts, as do many other queer men I'm sure. Such judgemental sentiments will only seek to close off discussion of barebacking/unprotected sex altogether rather than seek to understand it. Indeed, it is no wonder that no one wants to talk about it when the arrogant self-righteousness of others reduces and scrutinizes one's actions as embarrassing, shameful and stupid, painting a black and white argument and hence leaving no room for dialogue. I, for one, thirst after such nonexistent dialogue, trying to understand my own ever-evolving constitution juxtaposed with the social reality I am also a product of rather than chastise/dismiss myself and my actions as simply 'stupid'. Yes I agree that some people are tragically un-/mis-informed about the reality of living with HIV or AIDS, which has contributed to the increase in infection. But considering the intriguing factors noted in this article that have lead to the current reality of barebacking (not to mention the list of other factors unspoken or silenced), we cannot continue to generalize all others who are well-informed as therefore foolishly apathetic or even "psychotic". In the pursuit of intimacy and pleasure, we are all entitled to make decisions, be they deemed well-thought out or not. However, based on one's richly complicated lived experience, we cannot assume that barebacking is flagrant or thoughtless or invalidate it as a choice altogether.
Jay Brotherton	{38 votes}	February 11th, 2006
Back Door Love Making     This is difficult for me to understand let alone accept. Why would anyone in their right mind expose themselves to unprotected anal intercourse especially if they are not sure who their lover has been with. Why is so important for some to take a risk of exposing themselves to Aids is beyond me, especially when there are organizations out there to keep people informed that there are other safer ways to be stimulated. Why does the singular thrill of performing sex by barebacking that is known to provoke irreversable ruin of one or the other's health have to be more important than preventive care?I suppose the same answer could be gotten by asking sp many smokers why they smoke until their lungs are charcoal black. It's not as if they can actually see what's happening inside. The need and dependence on the nicotine isn't the same thing as the need for risky love-making but then both the die hard smoker and rear-end fuck fanatics can't give up their habits until their worn down and done in, can they? The idea of connecting through the flow of bodily fluids is rubbish when you consider what hazards you present to yourself or your partner just for the sake of a one time frolic. That's all you need for the mucosa lining of the rectum to break, but that advise falls on deaf ears just as cigarette warnings do for the nicotine freak with clogged arteries. Using condoms would be the best solution for those bent on this form, for the sake of safe sex always.
Martin Dansky	{26 votes}	February 11th, 2006
Gay Men Are Not Disease-Ridden Pariahs     Contrary to the politically-correct sentiment of the Canadian Blood Services [formerly Red Cross] and the more hysterically-minded members of the [gay] community, gay/bisexual men are not the diseased pariahs that we are often made out to be by the gay 'leadership' and fag hating 'liberal' mass-media. We don't all buy into this deranged thinking that all sexuality needs to be bagged up like something straight from the autopsy room. We don't all NEED to insulate ourselves from others by latex. The central issue is credibility and moral accountability for our collective sexual conduct. Whether it's in barebacking videos or bar/clublife; take appropriate precautions and respect yourself, and your partner. But, please let's keep it well in mind that two HIV negative males cannot give one another something they do not themselves have. PERIOD.
David Carroll	{15 votes}	February 11th, 2006
Frightening     As a gay man who frequently "sees" men searching for sex, I am blown away by those who actively look to bareback...the topic angers and sickens me. I am, by no means, not saying I have never had unprotected sex, because I have, but I truly believe there is a difference between choosing to have sex without a condom and "barebacking." One is a choice, the other is an attitude. When you choose to not use a condom, you are accepting the risk. If you are barebacking, you just don't care. Maybe many won't agree with me, but that's the way that I see it. I have chosen, on occasion, to not use a condom, but never in my life have I simply not cared. If I am in a monogamous, long-term relationship, and my partner and I get to the point of trusting each other to stop using condoms, I don't consider it "barebacking," per se, even if the term technically means "having sex without a condom." I truly believe the term refers to more than simply condom usage. What state of mind does a person have to be in to have such disregard for their life that they see pleasure as being more important? What kind of psychosis would lead to people wanting to infect themselves with ANY sort of disease? The whole thing boggles me completely, and no one ever seems to want to talk about it. And with reason. Any man who disregards life in pursuit of great sex should be horribly embarrassed and ashamed. Now you may be thinking, "Well, you risked your life, too." No, I really don't feel I did. On those occasions where a condom was not used, it was a choice based on conversations and a level of trust and at least somewhat knowing the person. Yes, it makes a difference. Yes, I took a chance in the instances, but that is still different than not caring at all for the sake of sex. We all make a decision to jaywalk when we are pretty sure the coast is clear, but you'd have to be mad to just close your eyes and walk blindly across a busy street. One is a choice. The other is just stupid.
Damion Rowan	{20 votes}	February 9th, 2006
BareBack     I know that everyone has their own opinion but i feel that barebacking is wrong to do. I don't think it is wrong as an act or whatever. What I think is wrong with it is the health part. It hurts me to see when someone gets aids or dies because of this disease. i am not saying that you should not do it but there are so many precautions to save your life and before you decide to go on with this, look at all the options. My friend is gay and yes he does do bareback and I am always so worried that he will get sick and die. I am not ashamed of it just worried for his and all other's safety.
Louise Lacroix	{4 votes}	March 16th, 2007
Aids will be overcome in a few years.     In a matter of years the Aids problem will be gone with the wind. Millions will die from Aids but some will survive since their body have adaped to it. The ones who survive will pass on this immunity genes to his/her offsprings. Eventually, the following generations will have this immunity. Just like the aboriginals in North America died by the thousands until some became immune to measles, smallpox and T.B. like the white Europeans. This is Dawin's survival of the fittest. We don't need drugs...nature will take care of us.
Lewie Miya		March 4th, 2006
News flash!     I'm sorry but someone is going to have to explain to me how dealing with coughing, shortness of breath, seizures and lack of coordination, having difficultly swallowing, pronounced confusion and forgetfulness, severe and persistent diarrhea, fevers, vision loss, nausea, painful abdominal cramps, vomiting, drastic weight loss, extreme fatigue, severe fevers & headaches, coma, cancer and last but not least, death are worth the experience of barebacking in the age of HIV and AIDS. Have I missed the memo that said that occasional barebacking is okay if you feel like it and are feeling so horny that that a few seconds to apply a simple condom is just too much effort? ~ Hey, I understand all about getting caught up in the moment but is there really an excuse for such stupidity and selfishness? A few moments of bliss and you're risking a long drawn out death sentence where your loved ones get to mourn you. Gay or not, high or not, this just isn't worth it. If you're in a commited relationship with someone you trust then maybe barebacking is fine but outside of that relative safety you're just gambling to be another statistic for the sake of a brief, cheap thrill.
Pedro Eggers	{14 votes}	February 11th, 2006
Lovers Beware.........     AIDS sufferer and activist Louis-Michel Taillefer probably says it best, and I was shocked because I didn't realize that "those in the under-30 crowd..were not old enough to remember the trauma of the epidemic that rocked the gay community in the '80s". That seems like a mistake, doesn't it? How could anyone not have remembered the tremendous coverage when the AIDS virus was first discussed and the media were wall-to-wall saying this was the "beginning of the end"? But it's true as more and more newcomers arrive to the gay community without the benefit of education and awareness of some of the history behind same-sex relations? It's one thing to explore your sexual boundaries but be careful who your first partner is, especially if they're your meth dealer and your first love. You can cut your life pretty short, a piece of carnage on the side of the road, too new to the problem to understand what hit you.
Steve Landry	{8 votes}	February 10th, 2006
We shall overcome!     Sad it is, to read all these comments about the stage of the research of HIV/AIDS. Let's all hope, that we well overcome this. I believe, I read, there is a study done at Berkeley (?), who say, they would have a patented cure in about 3-7 years. Let's FIGHT this Virus.
Daniel Cohen		February 24th, 2006

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