We Talk STIs With Sue Johanson’s Daughter

This STI awareness month it’s time to have the sex talk… but this time it’s with your grandparents. In the past decade, STI rates for seniors over 65 have risen dramatically due to the fact that many seniors who leave long-term, monogamous relationships and re-enter the dating scene are unaware of the risks associated with STIs and hookup culture. As such, Jems, a body-safe condom brand committed to tackling an outdated industry, has launched a bold new campaign, “F#cking Old”, to encourage young Canadians who are comfortable talking openly about sex to speak with their elders; the brand has partnered with Jane Johanson, daughter of globally recognized sex expert and beloved Canadian TV personality Sue Johanson, former host of the Sunday Night Sex Show, to spread the word. We chatted with Jane, who is no stranger to discussing sex and taboo topics, about all things STI. —Vita Daily

Please tell us a bit about yourself to start.

My name is Jane, I am the youngest of three of Sue Johanson’s children, I am a Musical theatre Performer/ choreographer and movement instructor, and have been involved in theatre for over 38 years. I just completed a Documentary on my mom Sue ( Sex with Sue), which just received a Best Documentary Program award from Canadian Screen Awards last week.

You’ve partnered with Jems on a campaign around STI Awareness Month; for those who don’t know, what’s an STI? And who needs to know about and protect themselves from STIs

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are spread predominantly by unprotected sexual contact. Regardless of your age, everyone having sex needs to know about safer sex practices!

More specifically, the current Jems campaign is directed toward seniors; what are some of the more-recent (and perhaps surprising) stats around seniors and STIs? Why do you think STI rates for seniors are rising so dramatically?

STI rates for seniors over 65 have risen by 267% for chlamydia, 340% for syphilis and 388% for gonorrhea. There has always been this taboo around talking about sex, and I think for some, it’s harder to ask questions and talk about sexual health. There are also many seniors who leave long-term, monogamous relationships and re-enter the dating scene, unaware of the risks associated with STIs and hookup culture.

What are some things young Canadians, specifically, can do to bring awareness around STIs to older Canadians? What are some tips/advice around overcoming the awkwardness?

Open the door to discussion, keep it light, share a candy, enjoy the humour of it.  Humour is a great ice breaker and mention casually that STIs have run rampant as of late and to maybe take Sue’s advice-  “Sex will be sweeter if you wrap your Peter.” Your parents or grandparents may be very excited about sharing their new adventures with family … why not open that door ?

And, why is sexual discussion important at all ages, particularly at this time?

Sexual discussions are important at any age, when one is old enough to be actively involved. Seniors are especially in need of reminders that you may not need to protect against pregnancy, but STD’s don’t care how old you are. So why not wrap it and breathe a sigh of relief that you are protecting yourself and others against something that is dangerous to spread.

There’s a charitable component to the Jems campaign, as well; can you fill us in on that?

The candies, designed to help spark conversations, are available for purchase, with 100% of sales proceeds donated to Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights, committed to advancing and upholding sexual and reproductive health and rights in Canada and globally.

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