What is Sexuality?
Sexuality encompasses nearly every aspect of our being, from attitudes and values, to feelings and experiences. It is influenced by the individual, family, culture, religion/spirituality, laws, professions, institutions, science, and politics.
Our sexuality includes: Sensuality, Intimacy, Sexual Identity, Sexual Health & Reproduction, and Sexualization
- Our level of awareness, acceptance, and enjoyment of our own and others’ bodies
- Our ability to express and have a need for closeness with another person
- Our biological sex—the anatomical parts, hormones, and chromosomes we have at birth
- Our sexual identity which includes:
- Our attitudes and behaviors toward our health and the consequences of sexual activity. This includes:
- Our use of power and influence to manipulate or control others with our sexuality.
- Gender identity — how we feel about and identify as our gender (masculine, feminine, gender non-conforming…)
- Sexual orientation — who we are sexually attracted to (straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, pansexual…)
- Our levels of attraction varies from person to person; types of attraction include: emotional, sexual, aesthetic, romantic
- Anatomy and physiology
- Sexually transmitted infection
- Contraception
- Abortion
Not everyone has the same definition of sex and what it may involve. When you are talking with your partner, be clear about your desires and boundaries.
