Locking Down Summer parties

Summer parties were in for a little something different this year. In the regular mix of hype music, lots of liquor and beautiful people were the HIV/AIDS peer educators dubbed the " keep it locked" crew.

"Our duty was to be that little voice in the head telling patrons the right thing to do and basically showing them how to do it," stated Intervention Coordinator, Kamika McLean, who was supported by five peer educators and a public relations officer. Armed with tons of latex condoms and penis models, the team demonstrated how to put on a condom, emphasizing correct use and consistency.

Young party goers between the ages 16-25 years were targeted specifically because research confirms that this age group is potentially high risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. This status is also fuelled by improper risk assessment.

Summer parties were the perfect place to catch this group in a comfortable setting where they would be most confident. It was felt that the setting would be appropriate to "catch them off guard" and hence capture effectively their attention. The setting often serves not only as somewhere to unwind, socialize and have a good time but also as a meeting ground for new potential sex partners.

Simply attending the session was not enough. The campaign used a peer-to-peer strategy. Young peer educators could be seen dancing up a storm, inviting patrons to come over to our booth for demonstrations or to take part in a few of our games. It also helped to have all the popular brands of condoms which everyone was eager to get their hands on.

The "keep it locked" crew soon became an essential accessory to any event. Fans often came over to try and impress us with their newly acquired condom skills that they practiced since we last met. The crew was well received and so was the knowledge we had to impart.

They were able to observe at first hand improper techniques, while demonstrating correct methods. Many patrons were not putting on the condom correctly. They neglected to do certain things like leaving the tip of the condom out or rolling it down to the base of the penis. Participants also frequently tried rolling down the condom on the wrong side - all of which could result in the condom breaking or slipping off. In such cases the blame was placed on the efficacy of the condom rather than on improper technique.

At the end of each session patrons left with their eyes opened to the risks of unprotected sex. Patrons could be seen stuffing condoms just about anywhere they could fit them - in their pockets, in their bags, in their shirts - you name it.