100
80 60
40
20
0
‘I don’t think we should consider sexual behaviour as “appropriate” or “inappropriate”, as this leads to stigmatisation and a lack of communication. Provided people are responsible and responsive to the feelings of others, I don’t see that there should be a maximum or minimum number of partners. Also, why is there not a “zero” option?’ ‘It would’ve been nice to meet “the one” early on, but that didn’t happen until I was in my 20s and had already had sex with over ten guys, plus oral etc with a few more than that. In hindsight, I would rather have had fewer partners. I’m still tempted by other men and have cheated a few times. I’d like to be monogamous but I’m lacking the willpower.’
43%
of people from Glasgow thought it was appropriate to have more than one sexual partner at the same time. Only 24% of people from Edinburgh thought the same.
‘I would hate to think someone I was sleeping with was sleeping with someone else, so I would never do that to anyone. It’s an intimate thing, even if it only happens once, and intimacy can’t involve more than two people.’ ‘As long as there’s no deceit, why not?’
15%
of people had met someone through the internet for the purpose of having sex. Of these, more people in Edinburgh (59%) said they enjoyed the experience than in Glasgow (46%). ‘It seemed a bit mechanical, like it was expected, as opposed to being spontaneous.’
‘It was fun and felt dangerous.’
How easy is it to find people to have sex
4.9% with in your city?
13.4% GLASGOW
25.6% Very (13.4%)
Sometimes (56.1%)
Not really (25.6%) Not at all (4.9%)
56.1% 7.6%
11.4% EDINBURGH
27.8% Very (11.4%)
53.2% Sometimes (53.2%)
Not really (27.8%) Not at all (7.6%)
‘Not at all. This may be because my group of friends are predominantly couples, so don’t want to go out as much, and when we do we go out in a mixed group which makes me less approachable. However, I find that the only Scottish men forward enough to talk to you are the ones you would never want to sleep with.’
‘I’m a girl - simples.’ ‘I’m a woman; it’s easy to find people to sleep with
anywhere. But that aside, Glasgow is a fairly vibrant city with a decent arts scene. There are always good events on where you can meet people, and I’m sure anyone looking to get laid could wander into a flat party on West Princes Street and get what they wanted with ease.’
Which of the following do you do regularly with a sexual partner: 98.4%
THE SEX ISSUE
26% of people were under 16 years old when they had their first sexual experience. 5% were over 21.
75%
51.1% 34.4%
of people in Edinburgh said they feel confident about their body when having sex, compared with 63% of people in Glasgow.
21% 21%
‘I can feel confident, but I still like a strategically placed duvet!’
Oral sex (98.4%) ‘Dirty’ talk (51.1%)
Use sex toys (34.4%)
Dressing up and roleplay (21.0%) Bondage (21.0%)
‘Is that all you can think of? Massage, tantric sex, swingers clubs and parties, threesomes, foursomes, moresomes, watching my partner being pleasured by and pleasuring others . . .’
‘I feel much more confident now than when I was younger. A lot of that is thanks to my current partner, who has boosted my self-esteem immeasurably. No matter how we turn out, I’ll always love him for finally helping me to be happy with who I am and how I look.’
‘Usually the lights are off. Also, I have a large penis.’
CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
‘Kissing! Why is it so underrated? It’s the most erotic thing to me.’ ‘How about nice normal sex. You know, the kind you have on a Tuesday . . .’
Have you had sex in a public place? ‘Edinburgh Botanic Gardens’
3–17 Feb 2011 THE LIST 15