Project Condom

In September 2006, a Halifax bath house reported to the AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia (ACNS) and the Canadian AIDS Society (CAS) that customers had complained that the condoms being distributed were sometimes breaking during anal sex. Ansell, the makers of the Lifestyles brand, reported that the ‘Ultra-Sensitive’ (i.e. thinner) condoms were not suitable for the presumed rough and tumble of man-on- man anal intercourse. The bathhouse then switched to the ‘Regular’ condoms at once. The remarks from Ansell led to the larger discussion of how condoms are tested and more importantly how they are used. ACNS considered ways in which to respond to these issues and launched a campaign targeted at re-education of condom use. A program, employing condom wallets/Play Paks (with lube) and Trick Cards designed for Gay men, that was both sex-positive and playful, was the result. This format allowed for the exploration of condom selection, while still keeping the focus on how to use condoms effectively and enjoyably for all kinds of safer sex play.

In December 2006, a trial run of the Play Paks was initiated at the bath house. Staff reported receiving lots of favourable comments, with customers finding them both fun and useful. With the help of funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada, CAS entered into a partnership with ACNS to help make these resources accessible to the CAS membership.

Agencies are free to use this resource which can be downloaded from the ACNS and CAS websites, with the proviso that the logos of ACNS and CAS as well as mention of our funders, PHAC, appear on the product.

Project Backgrounder
Project Poster
Condom Wallet #1 (Splash)	Trick Card #1
Condom Wallet #2 (Ball)	Trick Card #2
Condom Wallet #3 (Love)	Trick Card #3
Condom Wallet #4 (Top Hat)	Trick Card #4
Condom Wallet #5 (Lips)	Trick Card #5
Condom Wallet #6 (Lube)	Trick Card #6
Condom Wallet #7 (Meat)	Trick Card #7
Condom Wallet #8 (Dance)	Trick Card #8
Condom Wallet #9 (Touch me)	Trick Card #9
Condom Wallet #10 (Pencil)	Trick Card #10