Julie Pelletier

At 35, Julie Pelletier has a master’s degree in sexology from Université du Québec à Montréal, as well as two certificates, one in criminology, the other in psychology. The author of both short stories and self-help books, she also co-hosts the daily radio show Sexuellement parlant (Sexually Speaking) on 98.5 FM in Montreal and writes a weekly column for Le Journal de Montréal.

 enRoute What’s your approach to your work?

Julie Pelletier In this line of work, I don’t use humour or make a lot of jokes. But I’m very expressive and show lots of emotion. When I’m interviewing someone, I might smile, get goosebumps or have tears welling up in my eyes. Of course, sometimes it’s good to laugh or let out a big “Ahhhh!” to keep things light, to play down the drama of a situation.

ER Was it acceptable for you to talk about sexuality when you were growing up?

JP Yes, and that has made my work a lot easier. My parents, especially my mother, were always there for me, answering my questions. My mom would explain things as they really were, in a manner appropriate to my age.

ER How did you become a media personality?

JP Two years after I went into private practice as a sexologist, I met Journal de Montréal columnist Claire Bouchard. She told me she was leaving the paper. Eventually, they hired me, and since then the column has grown to a full page. I’ve had to quickly educate myself about the media.

ER How do you find the media treat sexuality?

JP It’s discussed a lot more, but the talk tends to be about sex, not necessarily sexuality, which is also about communication, self-respect, intimacy, emotions. After a long period of not being able to discuss sexuality openly, I think we’re gradually reaching some kind of balance.

ER What question do you hear most often?

JP “Am I normal?” although the real question should be “Do I feel good about myself?” This notion of “normality” is a direct result of the emphasis on sex rather than sexuality. People hear about all kinds of practices and gadgets and then compare themselves to what others are doing. We need to get back to reality.

ER What is the most pervasive myth about sexologists?

JP The myth is that we love sex and do nothing but have it all day long. I can’t count how many times I got the “If you ever need a guinea pig... ” line as a university student. For me, a research subject is a patient who confides in me, not someone I sleep with. [ ]

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