Today “machismo” still plays a major role in many Hispanic homes, especially when it comes to sex. Unfortunately in our community, two different messages are often sent to our sons and daughters:
- Girls are expected to wait until marriage to have sex.
- Boys are unintentionally pressured to start sexual activity to prove their “manhood.”
It’s easy to see why boys might interpret this mixed message as approval or encouragement to initiate sex early7.
We need to send all of our youth the consistent message: “If you wait to have sex, you’ll have a better chance for success and happiness."
7. Vexler, E (2007). Voices Heard: Latino Adults and Teens Speak Up About Teen Pregnancy. Washington DC: the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.
