What is Sexuality?

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All that is related to sex is sexuality.  However, sexuality is not limited to the sexual act.  Sexuality includes our feelings and thoughts, our likes and dislikes, the freedom and restrictions we live within, self esteem and body image, our experiences, and much more.  It may or may not include love, marriage, religion, etc.

In fact, it is difficult to define sexuality.  This is what the World Health Organisation has to say about sexuality.

The working definition of sexuality is:  “…a central aspect of being human throughout life encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction. Sexuality is experienced and expressed in thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviors, practices, roles and relationships. While sexuality can include all of these dimensions, not all of them are always experienced or expressed. Sexuality is influenced by the interaction of biological, psychological, social, economic, political, cultural, legal, historical, religious and spiritual factors.” (WHO, 2006a) http://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/topics/sexual_health/sh_definitions/en/ downloaded 10/12/14

For each one, the experience of sexuality is different.  Therefore, each one expresses their own sexuality differently.  What is okay with some is a complete no-no with another.  The ways in which some may express their own sexuality may have reactions in others that are pleasant or unpleasant.  This is also dependant on experiences.  Another important factor is knowledge.  Knowing the body, understanding the anatomy of both men and women, how the body works, what is safe, pleasurable and fun, as well as what can be unsafe and hurt can go a long way in understanding sexuality.  This includes the implications, social, emotional and physical to our selves, our health, our bodies, and our relationships in the short and long terms.

Through understanding our own needs, what gives us pleasure and what gives us pain, we can determine our own sexuality.  Sexuality is ever flowing / changing and not constant.

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