Make the right choice. Take charge.
WHAT IS HUMAN SEXUALITY
There are several factors that are said to contribute to one’s sexuality. Such factors include biological, genetic, social, and psychological. The last of such factors is that one’s sexuality and sexual orientation is one’s conscious choice.
According to the WHO, sexuality is a central aspect of being human throughout life and it encompasses sex, gender identities, roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction.
Sexuality is an integral dimension of human beings throughout their life and development. It is experienced through feelings, thoughts, behaviors. This is an expression towards oneself and others. Expression of desire and behaviors towards others who can be from the same or opposite sex.
Social Norms + Gender + Sexuality
Boys |
Girls |
|---|---|
| Boys can be sexually active and portray a macho image, they can boost about being sexually active and experimental in risky behaviour | Sex is prohibited before marriage, though they have to be attractive and good looking in order to get a good match |
| Most women can have an orgasm through vaginal sex only. | Only about 30% of women reach orgasm through vaginal sex only. The other 70% need more manual or oral stimulation to achieve orgasms. |
| Aggressive and risk taking behaviours are expected from boys | Girls are asked to always listen to their husband |
| Can Prove their masculinity by dominating their wife | Girls are expected to conceive babies and complete their duty as a woman and a mother. |
| Good looks are not that mandatory. | Girls have to maintain their body, look slim and pretty. |
| Sex partner has to be of opposite sex | Sex partner has to be of opposite sex. |
Sexual Diversity
Gender and sexual diversity (GSD), or simply sexual diversity, is a term used to refer to all the diversities of sex characteristics, sexual orientations and gender identities, without the need to specify each of the identities, behaviours or characteristics.
Few Good Reasons for saying “NO” to sex
- Abstinence in sexual activity until they reach their goal – marriage
- Preventing unplanned pregnancies.
- Least to No risks of STDs/STIs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases).
- One can undergo emotional, psychological, intellectual and spiritual growth and not feel tied up before and after the commitment for sex.
- One can develop decision-making by not making decisions under social or familial pressure.
- One can be sure that they will be intimate with a person who would respect their decision to get intimate according to them.
Aspects of Sexuality
Social
Sexual identity is social. Society defines the different sexual categories and teaches us what characteristics these individuals and groups should have. Society labels these people and their behaviours as normal or abnormal and right or wrong.
Physical
Sexual organs namely, the ‘penis’ and the ‘vagina’, are present in human beings since birth. Therefore, we can say that, birth is the first stage of understanding sexuality, where the sexual identity of a male, female or other is given after examining the sexual organs of the new-born.
Psychological
Sexuality is not just the intimate relationship between two people generally termed as “love”. Sexuality instead on the art of understanding how certain behaviours of self and significant others condition our mind to feel happy or sad about our presence ever since we are born.
MYTHS AND FACTS ON SEXUAL HEALTH
Myths |
Facts |
|---|---|
| You can use a condom more than once, if you wash it properly. | A condom should NEVER be used twice under any circumstances. |
| Girls don’t masturbate. | Girls in fact are curious about their bodies and do masturbate. However, on average, guys are more likely to report that they masturbate than girls. Girls might be afraid to engage in or admit to masturbating to the same degree as guys do. |
| A virgin girl will bleed the first time she undergoes sexual intercourse. | Not necessarily. The virgin knot can break due to strenuous activities such as sports, physical works, cycling, sometimes stress, anxiety, injury can tear up the hymen naturally. |
| Masturbation is harmful for mental and physical health. If done frequently, it can be a problem. | Masturbation is a completely safe practice to pleasure oneself privately. It is not a problem. Masturbation helps people learn and understand their body’s response to sexual stimulation. |
| One can acquire a sexually transmitted infection (STI) from oral sex. | Rarely. Only if there is contact of blood and semen or fluid, there can be a chance. However, if genitals are priory infected, fungal or bacterial infections might occur. |
| The right age to have sex is after 18. | one can undergo sexual activity once they attain puberty. However, one must mature sexually and be informed on use of contraception, protection and consequences of having sex. |
ARE YOU…
- Confident, comfortable, and non-judgmental when addressing about your own sexuality?
- Ready to provide medically accurate information about sexual and reproductive health while also emphasizing the importance of healthy relationships towards yourself and your peers?
- Familiar with access to birth control options, STI testing, abortion, sexual assault services; parent/caregiver?