Sex Lives Report 2026 by LetsStopAIDS

2026

MAKING SENSE OF SEX, SUBSTANCE USE, AND PREVENTION

2026

MAKING SENSE OF SEX, SUBSTANCE USE, AND PREVENTION

CONTENTS

06

14

08

24

10

28

12

36

MESSAGE FROM SHAMIN

OVERVIEW

CONDOMS

STI AND HIV TRENDS

STI AND HIV TESTING

STI AND HIV TREATMENT

SUBSTANCE USE AND SEX

RISK REDUCTION

40

CONSENT AND COMFORT

44

TALKING ABOUT SUBSTANCE USE

48 CONCLUSION 50 METHODOLOGY 52 RESOURCES 54 APPENDIX 56 RESPONDENTS

MESSAGE FROM SHAMIN

Young people are more aware than ever of their actions.

But they still don’t have enough safe, judgment-free spaces to talk openly and make informed decisions.

That’s one of the key reflections this fourth edition of the Sex Lives Report brings forward.

6 - Sex Lives Report

Putting this research together wasn’t easy. Many organizations still avoid talking about substance use among young people, which often leads to silence around something already present in their lives.

Substance use, its connection to sexual experiences, and its impact on mental health is not something we can keep avoiding. It needs to be addressed directly.

The more we understand what young people are going through, their questions, doubts, and the challenges of simply being young in a constantly changing world, the better we can respond and support them in making safer, healthier choices.

So even after hearing a few “no’s,” we remained firm with this theme. Our goal was to understand how substances, whether legal or illegal, interact with young people’s sexual practices, looking at why they use them,

how they use them, and what happens after, including next-day effects that are often left out.

Today, the LetsStopAIDS Sex Lives Report is a credible initiative that reflects the realities of young people across Canada. But this is not just about data. What matters is what we do with it. We use these insights to shape our programmes and support others doing this work, including youth and their families.

As the world rethinks how to respond to HIV and other health challenges, LetsStopAIDS remains clear: real progress depends on youth leadership. Young people should not be observers; they are essential to shaping health strategies and driving the change the world needs to see.

Shamin Mohamed Jr. Founder & President LetsStopAIDS

LetsStopAIDS - 7

OVERVIEW

Making Sense of Sex, Substance Use, & Prevention In 2026, LetsStopAIDS focused on understanding the structural and societal barriers that continue to affect HIV awareness and testing across Canada.

Specifically, LetsStopAIDS explored why young people remain resistant to treatment, and how substance use before or during sexual activity, particularly alcohol and cannabis, can shape young people’s experiences of consent, risk perception, relationships, and their engagement with harm prevention practices.

In partnership with Ipsos Canada and San Patten Associates, LetsStopAIDS surveyed 1,111 sexually active youth across Canada aged 18–24* to explore the dynamic relationship between substance use and sexual behaviour. *Survey conducted August 2–17, 2025. See page 56 for detailed respondent demographics.

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Previous Sex Lives Reports have highlighted the need for sex-positive, comprehensive sex-ed, alongside ongoing challenges related to HIV awareness, testing, and condom negotiation.

Building on this work, the 2026 report re-examines trends in condom use as well as STI and HIV testing, diagnosis, and treatment. By understanding these trends and exploring their intersection with substance use and sex, the report aims to inform education, prevention, and harm-reduction strategies that reflect young people’s lived realities.

In the sections that follow, the findings push past assumptions to highlight key trends that can inform youth-centred and evidencebased STI and HIV prevention programming across Canada.

LetsStopAIDS - 9

CONDOMS

Condom use remains inconsistent Only 1 in 2

respondents used a condom during their last sexual encounter.

Despite the high effectiveness of condoms in preventing STI and HIV transmission and unplanned pregnancy when used correctly, youth are still not using them consistently. Only 1 in 2 respondents used a condom during their last sexual encounter.

Similar to the 2024 Sex Lives Report data, 69% of sexually active Canadian youth reported never or inconsistently using condoms, with 1 in 4 youth (26%) never using a condom, a slight increase from 21% or 1 in 5 in 2024.

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Condom Use: All the time vs. Never

This trend may be due to a mix of factors such as*:

Frequency of using condoms in the last 6 months 28%

• Relationship and trust dynamics that influence condom decisions.

Never

• The perceptions of STI and HIV risk.

Once in a while

• The association that condoms reduce pleasure.

• Barriers to accessing condoms, including cost.

16%

19%

Almost all the time

24%

All the time

14%

Sometimes

• No perceived risk of pregnancy. * Factors collected from Sex Lives Report 2024 Data

LetsStopAIDS - 11

STI AND HIV TRENDS

Detection & diagnosis on the rise At the time of this survey, 9% of youth surveyed indicated that they had been diagnosed with an STI or HIV in the last six months. Among this group of respondents, 22% were diagnosed with chlamydia, 21% were diagnosed with gonorrhoea, and 18% were diagnosed with HIV – a 10 percentage increase in HIV diagnosis among youth who had tested positive for an STI or HIV, since 2022.

12 - Sex Lives Report

Distribution of diagnoses among youth who have tested positive for STIs or HIV 2022

2023

2024

2025

Gonorrhea

54%

24%

12%

21%

Chlamydia

13%

26%

21%

22%

Hepatitis B

11%

11%

10%

12%

HIV

8%

8%

13%

18%

Syphilis

7%

6%

8%

8%

Herpes simplex virus

6%

11%

3%

14%

HPV

3%

8%

6%

17%

12%

35%

36%

12%

Prefer not to answer

Four-year Trend1

1 - The four-year trend accounts for a relevant change taking place from 2022 to 2025.

LetsStopAIDS - 13

STI AND HIV TESTING

More than half of Canadian Youth Have Yet to be Tested Have you been tested for HIV in the past?

Have you been tested for other STIs in the past?*

Testing is one of the clearest pathways to prevention. While testing rates have improved, rising youth-HIV diagnoses raise important questions about what barriers remain and whether enough is being done to ensure young people have the tools to overcome them.

This year’s report indicates a 10% increase in HIV and STI testing compared to the 2024 Sex Lives Report.

Compared to 2024, more youth are getting tested — but over half of sexually active Canadian youth have still never been tested.

IV *not i luding H nc

57%

No

55%

No

20%

Yes, in the last 6 months

21%

Yes, in the last 6 months

10%

Yes, between 6 months and a year ago

9%

Yes, between 6 months and a year ago

12%

Yes, longer than a year ago

1%

Prefer not to answer

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14% 1%

Yes, longer than a year ago Prefer not to answer

Why aren’t youth getting tested?

I didn’t know I was supposed to be testing regularly

29% I have not been sexually active

22% 19%

Nobody asked me

I don’t know where to go

16% 13%

I don’t really care

I am embarrassed to get tested

11% 8%

Testing is not accessible

8%

I am afraid to hear the results

7%

Stigma around STIs

5% 2%

Do not trust confidentiality Do not trust the reliability of testing

Among youth who have not sought testing, common reasons for not getting tested regularly (every 6 months to a year) include uncertainty whether testing was necessary and challenges accessing healthcare.

These responses point to both knowledge gaps and structural barriers, underscoring the need for accessible and comprehensive sex-ed.

LetsStopAIDS - 15

STI AND HIV TESTING

Among youth who have been tested for STIs ,

4 in 5

were tested through healthcare providers.

This demonstrates that good access to these primary health services are important ways to improve rates of testing, but also that there is room for other low-barrier testing methods to be promoted and to be made more available.

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What kind of STI test did you take?* 37%

General health clinic

11%

26%

Family doctor

17%

Ordered from pharmacy/drugstore

Health clinic specializing in STI or HIV

5%

1%

Self test

Other

2%

Test at community organization * “Prefer not to answer” responses are excluded from the data shown.

LetsStopAIDS - 17

STI AND HIV TESTING

Discussions about STI & HIV Testing

Our research shows that most young people first hear about STI and HIV testing through teachers, online platforms, or peers. This highlights the importance of up-to-date and reputable resources on testing such as CATIE, Teen Health Source, Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights, and local public health units.

9 in 10

agree that STIs and HIV should be discussed with every new partner.

This includes family doctors and sexual health clinics — demonstrating primary health services improve rates of testing. However, to optimize rates, there must also be alternative low-barrier methods of testing and increased availability.

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From which information source(s) did you first hear about STI and HIV testing?

39%

Teachers

29%

Website, Social Media, etc.

23%

Doctors/Healthcare Professionals

22%

Friends/Peers

18%

General Health Clinic or Hospital

18%

Parents/Guardian

17% 16% 10% 9%

Sexual Partners

STI/HIV Specialized Clinics

Youth Serving Organizations

Community Organizations

7%

Counselor/Therapist

6%

ChatGPT/Other Chatbots

5%

Other/Prefer not to answer

2%

I have not heard about HIV testing

Many young people recognize the importance of open communication about STIs and HIV — 89% agree that these topics should be discussed with every new partner. At the same time, most acknowledge that these conversations can feel stigmatizing (72%) or challenging (65%).

LetsStopAIDS - 19

STI AND HIV TESTING

3 in 5

sexually active Canadian youth report that STI and HIV testing was not brought up by their providers.

Do you recall any healthcare providers bringing up the topic of STI and HIV testing with you?

41% Yes

20 - Sex Lives Report

57% No

Prefer not to answer

British Columbia

35%

Ontario

63%

Alberta

45%

53%

Saskatchewan/Manitoba

40%

60%

44%

Quebec

39%

Atlantic

35%

54%

59%

65%

LetsStopAIDS - 21

STI AND HIV TESTING

When should we be having discussions about testing?

When asked at what age young people should learn about STI and HIV testing, youth preferred learning sooner rather than later.

2 in 3

youth who discussed testing with a healthcare provider, were first introduced to STI and HIV testing between the ages of 13 and 18.

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Age at which healthcare providers first discussed STI and HIV testing 5%

Younger than 10

22%

9%

17-18 years old

7%

10-12 years old

Older than 18

31%

1%

19%

6%

13-14 years old 15-16 years old

I never learned Can’t recall/ Prefer not to answer

I have Doctor, n... a questio

LetsStopAIDS - 23

STI AND HIV TREATMENT

Youth Continue to Face Gaps in Treatment

1 in 4 youth

revealed not receiving treatment after an STI or HIV diagnosis.

Although this is a slight improvement since 2024, it remains higher than it should be. Ensuring youth have access to treatment is critical, not only for their own health but also to prevent transmission to others.

24 - Sex Lives Report

Advancements in HIV care now allow people diagnosed with HIV to achieve a viral load low enough that they cannot transmit HIV to others during sexual contact. This is known as Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U). Treatment is a key component of both personal and public health.

27%

who received an STI/HIV diagnosis did not receive treatment.

LetsStopAIDS - 25

STI AND HIV TREATMENT

Why youth aren’t seeking treatment Young people did not seek treatment due to both system-level barriers and knowledge gaps.

Can’t afford it.

Zara — Surrey, BC

I didn’t need it.

Amira — Winnipeg, MB

It’s very difficult to get treatment.

Mateo — Red Deer, AB

I didn’t think my symptoms were serious enough to require treatment at the time.

Micah — Regina, SK

Real respondents testimonials Pseudonyms used 26 - Sex Lives Report

When asked why they did not access care, many expressed uncertainty about whether treatment was necessary, while others cited challenges accessing healthcare services.

These responses reinforce the need for healthcare systems that are accessible and affordable, alongside clear, nonjudgmental guidance from healthcare providers and educators. Strengthening comprehensive sex-ed across all stages of care is essential to ensure young people understand when and how to seek treatment.

LetsStopAIDS - 27

SUBSTANCE USE AND SEX

Substance Use and Sex Among Youth Today This year’s Sex Lives Report examines the significance of substance use, including alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, tobacco, and other drugs, in relation to sex among youth. We sought to understand patterns, perceptions, relationships, and risk behaviours associated with substance use.

Although nearly half of young people have mixed substance use and sex, the reality is far more nuanced than many might think.

28 - Sex Lives Report

Among the 47% of young Canadians who have combined substance use with sex, the most commonly cited substances were alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, and tobacco.

62%

Alcohol (2+ drinks in one occasion)

60%

Cannabis, marijuana

51%

Alcohol (1 or 2 drinks in one occasion) Nicotine (e.g., vaping or e-cigarettes)

40% 25%

Tobacco (e.g., cigarettes or cigars)

11%

Psychedelics (e.g., LSD, mescaline, acid, mushrooms)

10%

Ecstasy / MDMA (also known as Molly)

9%

Cocaine

4%

Crystal Meth (also known as Tina or T)

4%

Poppers / amyl nitrite

3%

Opioids (e.g., codeine, heroin, fentanyl, oxycocet, / “percs”, hydromorphone / “dillies”)

3%

Lean (also known as purple drank, sizzurp, or drank)

3%

Ketamine (also known as Special K)

3%

Erection drugs (e.g., Viagra, Cialis, TriMix)

3%

Tranquilizers or benzos (e.g., Valium, Xanax)

2%

Amphetamine / Speed

2%

Crack, Freebase

1%

Non-medical steroids

1%

Other

1%

Prefer not to answer

0%

GHB or GBL (also known as Gina, G, Water)

LetsStopAIDS - 29

SUBSTANCE USE AND SEX

1 in 2

Canadian youth have not combined substance use with sex, and among them, 73% would not consider doing so.

Many young people shared that using substances would feel ‘unnatural’, interfere with genuine connection, or compromise their sense of safety and wellbeing. Others expressed concerns that substance use could impair their ability to give or receive consent and reduce their control over safety.

Most Youth Avoid Substance Use During Sex 51%

have never used substances leading up to, or during sex

47%

have used substances leading up to, or during sex

30 - Sex Lives Report

I feel like sex itself is good enough, substances create illusions and not real feelings.

Reese — Thunder Bay, ON

I want to be completely aware and sober when having sex in case something were to happen.

Jade — Whitehorse, YT

Je ne veux pas gâcher l’expérience et je suis conte la consommation de ce genre de substances.

Jordan — Montréal, QC

While some youth choose not to combine substance use and sex, we must clearly communicate the risks and harm reduction strategies so that all youth can make informed decisions and set boundaries when they feel unsure or unsafe.

Real respondents testimonials Pseudonyms used LetsStopAIDS - 31

SUBSTANCE USE AND SEX

Frequency of Mixing Substance Use & Sex For youth who engage in substance use and sex, substances are not a consistent part of their sexual experiences but may arise in select moments.

Among youth who did combine substance use and sex,

4 in 5

reported using substances only occasionally (ie. either once or ‘once in a while’), suggesting that substance use in sexual contexts is less frequent than might be assumed.

32 - Sex Lives Report

Furthermore, 38% of youth reported that combining substance use with sex was spontaneous and unplanned.

Education should prepare young people to use harm reduction strategies in both spontaneous and planned situations where substance use and sex are combined.

Frequency of mixing substance use and sex 21%

2%

Only once

Every time

60%

1%

15%

1%

Once in a while, not every time Regularly, most times

Other

Prefer not to answer

LetsStopAIDS - 33

SUBSTANCE USE AND SEX

Motivations Behind Combining Substances and Sex Among those who do mix substance use with sex,

3 in 4

youth did so to enhance their experience.

Health providers and educators should acknowledge the importance of pleasure, self confidence, and healthy coping skills while promoting safe sex.

34 - Sex Lives Report

So why do some young people choose to use substances before or during sex?

LetsStopAIDS - 35

RISK REDUCTION

Exploring Risk and Pleasure How safely are youth navigating substance use and sex?

Among sexually active Canadian youth who combine substance use with sex,

3 in 5

are aware that doing so can increase risk and feel okay with that.

36 - Sex Lives Report

25%

Strongly agree

35%

Somewhat agree

23%

Neutral

8%

Somewhat disagree

5%

Strongly disagree

4%

Don’t know

LetsStopAIDS - 37

RISK REDUCTION

Although using substances such as alcohol and cannabis can decrease inhibition and affect decision-making, this does not necessarily mean all youth are neglecting safety.

Among youth who used substances before or during sex, 64% reported thinking about STI and HIV prevention or other harm reduction strategies at least once during their experience. Additionally, 70% reported using some form of HIV prevention strategy, such as condoms, PrEP, or PEP. This suggests that many are actively considering and implementing safer sex practices even when substance use is involved.

64%

thought about preventing STIs and HIV or other risks at least once during their experience

However, 28% reported never thinking about STI and HIV prevention during their experience, 24% said they worried less about STIs and HIV, and 31% worried less about using condoms. Some youth also reported feeling safe in other ways, with only 1 in 10 indicating difficulty giving or receiving consent.

While these findings highlight that the majority of youth are attentive to STI and HIV prevention when combining substance use and sexual activity, the data also points to the ongoing need for accessible sexual health education and resources that address substance use, prevention, and personal safety.

38 - Sex Lives Report

Thinking about the times you combined sex with substance use, which of these statements apply to you?

31%

I worried less about using condoms

24%

I worried less about HIV and STIs

12%

It led me to be in more risky situations

10%

I felt regret or disconnection from what happened

10%

I had difficulty giving or receiving consent

9%

I had less control over sexual activities

7%

I felt paranoid or anxious

5%

It led me to be in scary situations

5%

I wasn’t always in control of or fully aware of the substances I’ve taken

5%

It brought up triggers about previous experiences

4%

It led to physical injury during sex

3% <1%

It put me at greater risk of adverse effects mixing substances or overdose Other

37% 3%

None of the above Prefer not to answer

LetsStopAIDS - 39

CONSENT AND COMFORT

The Morning After Feeling 1 in 5

reported negative experiences — feelings of guilt, regret, and disappointment — were often linked to gaps in memory, clarity around consent, and partner pressure.

40 - Sex Lives Report

So how do youth feel the day after?

19% Negative

35% Positive

46% Neutral

LetsStopAIDS - 41

CONSENT AND COMFORT

Overall, while the majority of young people described their experiences as neutral or positive, a notable minority reported negative effects.

42 - Sex Lives Report

...with my current partner there is never any regret or negative feelings. But with my past abuser it made me feel very stupid and ashamed.

Liam — Halifax, NS

There was maybe once when I didn’t feel okay about it the next day because I wasn’t in total control of what had happened...

Fatima — Laval, QC

I don’t remember everything, but I don’t feel regretful.

Owen — Sherbrooke, QC

... I don’t like getting too drunk or high because I want to just be a bit tipsy or buzzed but still be able to consent...

Skyler — Charlottetown, PE Real respondents testimonials Pseudonyms used LetsStopAIDS - 43

TALKING ABOUT SUBSTANCE USE

Youth want practical, non-judgmental conversations Our findings show that most youth feel more comfortable discussing substance use with sexual partners or peers, than with doctors, parents, or teachers.

Talking about substance use can be challenging, especially when disclosing illegal or socially stigmatized behaviours.

Therefore creating familiar, non-judgmental environments is essential for youth.

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Who do you feel comfortable talking to about substance use in general?

75%

Sexual Partners

67%

Friends/Peers

32%

My Doctor/Other Healthcare Provider

19%

Parents/Guardians

17%

Counselor/Therapist

13%

ChatGPT/Other Chatbots

6%

Teachers

4%

Youth Serving Organization

3%

I don’t need to talk to anyone

1%

Other

1%

Prefer not to answer

LetsStopAIDS - 45

TALKING ABOUT SUBSTANCE USE

Survey respondents shared a wide range of questions and curiosities about combining substance use and sex. These reflected interests spanning health and safety, relationship dynamics, and consent.

\

Many questions point to gaps in young people’s knowledge that may leave them unprepared to keep themselves safe if they choose to mix substances and sex. This signals a crucial need for comprehensive sex-ed and conversations around pleasure, consent, and informed choices, taking into account that sometimes youth combine substance use and sex.

46 - Sex Lives Report

Consent and Decision Making • •

• •

Does using substances make it harder to give or get clear consent?

[What are] signs that I shouldn’t be having sex under the influence, even if I am with a committed partner I trust?

How does it affect continuous consent?

How much can we trust whether fully conscious consent was given especially in situations where the sexual partners aren’t in a committed relationship?

Practical Guidance • •

Are there safer harm reduction practices for people who choose to mix sex and substances?

Are there safer ways to explore sex and substances together?

Emotional and Relational Dynamics • •

•

Why do people use them?

What is the thought process behind the very first attempt? Are you mentally okay for wanting to experiment? Am I not fun enough if I don’t ever want to?

[How does it] affect emotional connection during intimate moments?

Health and Physical Effects • • • • • •

Is it dangerous? What are the risks?

What do the side effects feel like?

Does it increase the chances of getting HIV? Can it increase the chances of unsafe sex?

Is it actually better?

Does it make [sex] hurt less?

LetsStopAIDS - 47

CONCLUSION

48 - Sex Lives Report

The findings from our 2026 report illustrate how young people experience and navigate the intersection of sex, substance use, pleasure, safety, and stigma.

Year after year, the report highlights persistent systemic and knowledge gaps in youth sexual health, underscoring the importance of equipping young people with the resources and support they need to engage with topics like substance use, consent, as well as STI and HIV disclosure, prevention, and testing.

How can we help youth?

We believe that meaningful change begins by placing youth at the centre of decision making. Through active listening to youth voices and acknowledging their lived experiences, we can better understand the barriers they face when accessing care, having open conversations, and finding support that feels safe and relevant.

Strengthening low-barrier services alongside enhancing the sex-ed curriculum can help close these gaps, reduce stigma, and empower young people to navigate their sexual health with confidence.

LetsStopAIDS - 49

METHODOLOGY

How and with whom was the survey conducted?

Sex Lives Report 2026 survey was conducted by LetsStopAIDS from August 2 to 17, 2025 among a sample of 1,111 sexually active Canadians aged 18 to 24 and was hosted

by Ipsos. The survey questions were designed based on research conducted on similar topics and followed the format of previous surveys conducted by LetsStopAIDS. The questionnaire was carefully pilot tested with a reference group before the survey was deployed. Respondents had options to not answer or withdraw from survey at any point in time and were assured of anonymity. Participants were screened so only those who reported ever having sex were included in the survey results. The survey was conducted in English and French and included an additional boost of 100 Canadians who self-identify as being part of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. The data should be interpreted contextually and with caution due to the nature of the quota sample from a pooled population.

Quotas and weighting were employed to ensure that the sample’s composition reflects that of the Canadian population aged 18 to 24 according to census parameters. Weights have been applied using general population characteristics among those 18 to 24. A credibility interval is a range of values used in Bayesian statistics that represents the degree of belief or probability that a parameter falls within this range. In this case, the credibility interval for a sample of n=1,111 is ±3.6 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. In some cases, responses may not add up to 100% due to rounding or due to the question allowing for multiple responses to be selected.

50 - Sex Lives Report

How was respondents’ data protected?

LetsStopAIDS, Ipsos Canada, and San Patten and Associates are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal information collected. Steps were taken by Ipsos to ensure only de-identified data was shared with LetsStopAIDS and San Patten and Associates, including ensuring no personally identifiable information was shared. Further, analysis was conducted only at an aggregate level for sub-groups with a quantifiable sample base. All survey data is stored on secured servers located in Canada.

View our data:

Additional questions?

Sex Lives Report 2026 data and previous datasets are available on an open-source platform.

If you have any additional questions about the methodology, analysis, or survey question wording you may contact slr@LetsStopAIDS.org.

To go to the platform, please scan the QR code or visit SexLivesReport.ca.

LetsStopAIDS - 51

RESOURCES

52 - Sex Lives Report

If you or someone you know needs help with substance use, mental health, sexual health, or HIV, here is a brief list of resources. Find more resources available online compiled

by The Government of Canada and your province. *If you are in an emergency situation, call 9-1-1 or go to your local emergency department.

• • • • • • • • • • •

Suicide Crisis Helpline - call 9-8-8 Kids Help phone - call 1-800-668-6868 or Text 686868 Your local Canadian Mental Health Association Branch Drug Rehab Services - call 1-877-254-3348 National Overdose Response Service - call 1-888-688-NORS(6677) Alcoholics Anonymous Sexual assault resources in your province Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights Access Line - call 1-888-642-2725 HIV Self Testing programs such as the I’m Ready Program CATIE Where to? Resource - visit whereto.catie.ca to find Harm reduction, HIV and STI testing and treatment locations near you You can talk to a family doctor, psychologist, mental health nurse, or social worker. You may also want to talk to another trusted professional, such as a counselor or spiritual leader.

LetsStopAIDS - 53

APPENDIX LEGEND (PRIMARY CATEGORY) STIMULANTS - Accelerate CNS activity (“Uppers”) DEPRESSANTS - Slow down CNS activity (“Downers”) HALLUCINOGENS - Alters perception and reality EMPATHOGENS - Increase feelings of empathy and connection CANNABINOIDS - Interacts with the body’s cannabinoid receptors OTHERS/ MISCELLANEOUS - Substances with unique or localized effects Source: Consolidated and synthesized from widely accepted pharmacological classifications used by international and national public health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and leading national health institutes like the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

54 - Sex Lives Report

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RESPONDENTS*

Sexual Orientation Multiselect allowed

60%

Heterosexual

19%

Bisexual

6%

Gay

5%

Pansexual

5%

Queer

3%

Lesbian

3%

Asexual

3%

Other

2%

Prefer not to answer

Ethnicity

Identify as Indigenous

Multiselect allowed

62%

Multiselect allowed

White

82%

11%

Black

11%

9%

South Asian

5%

No Yes, First Nations Yes, Métis

7%

East Asian

2%

Prefer not to answer

5%

Southeast Asian

1%

Yes, Inuit

1%

Other

4%

Latin America

4%

Other

2%

Middle Eastern

2%

Prefer not to answer

56 - Sex Lives Report

Gender Identity Multiselect allowed

45%

Woman

41%

Man

6%

Non-binary

5%

Transman

2%

Gender-fluid

2%

Transwoman

2%

Gender queer

1%

Agender

1%

Two-spirit

<1%

Intersex

<1%

Questioning

<1%

Other

<1%

Prefer not to answer

Education 1% 6%

Primary school or less Some high school

28%

Graduated high school

16%

Some college/CEGEP/trade school

14%

Graduated college/CEGEP/trade school

10%

Some university, but did not finish

17% 7% 21%

University undergraduate degree University graduate degree Prefer not to answer

* Visit SexLivesReport.ca for full survey respondent demographics such as Household Income, etc.

LetsStopAIDS - 57

Citation LetsStopAIDS Sex Lives Report: Making Sense of Sex, Substance Use, and Prevention

LetsStopAIDS is Canada’s Youth-HIV charity dedicated to fostering youth leadership and enhancing awareness on HIV and sexual health. We focus on research, knowledge exchange initiatives and community engagement globally.

Since 2004, LetsStopAIDS has engaged over 200,000 young people through 10 global projects, supported by 15,000 volunteers. 21 years later, and we continue to inspire young people to take action within their local communities.

To learn more and get involved with LetsStopAIDS or make a charitable donation, please visit LetsStopAIDS.org or contact us at +1 (416) 231-2333.

Publication Date: April 2026 Copyright © LetsStopAIDS 2026 ISBN: 978-1-7381438-2-5

Survey Design Ipsos Canada (Sanyam Sethi, Vice President, Ipsos Public Affairs Canada Meghan Miller, Director, Ipsos Public Affairs Canada), San Patten and Associates (San Patten, Tariq Bhanjee, Caterina Tess Kendrick), Alex MacLeod, and Dr. Gerson Scheidweiler Data Collection Ipsos Canada Data Analysis Ipsos Canada and San Patten and Associates (San Patten, Tariq Bhanjee, Caterina Tess Kendrick) Initial Report Writing San Patten and Associates (San Patten, Tariq Bhanjee, Caterina Tess Kendrick) Final Booklet Report Writing Alex MacLeod, Dana Won, Daniel Opert, Dr. Gerson Scheidweiler Creative Direction Dana Won Design and Layout Neo-Aldwin Torres Director of Video Campaign Dan LeMoyne Director of Photography Susannah Haight

Scan the QR code to watch our video campaign.

160 John St, Suite 200 Toronto, ON M5V 2E5

Canadian Charitable No. 86145 2639 RR0001

Photo Subject Diego Dominguez de Garay Editorial Support Shamin Mohamed Jr., San Patten and Associates (San Patten, Tariq Bhanjee, Caterina Tess Kendrick), Ipsos Canada, LetsStopAIDS Volunteer Research Analysts (Zara Ahmed, Swarna Arunchalam, Jordan Chow) A special thank you to The PrEP Clinic for supporting the video campaign associated with this report. A big thank you to studio.b and Breathe Entertainment.

ISBN 978-1-7381438-2-5