WHAT IS SEX AND SEXUALITY

What is sex and sexuality ?

 

Sex and sexuality are topics that have been discussed and debated for centuries. In the United States, attitudes towards sex and sexuality have evolved over time, reflecting changes in cultural, social, and political values.

Sex refers to biological characteristics, including the physical and genetic differences between males and females. Sexuality, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses a person's sexual desires, behaviors, and preferences.

In recent years, there has been a growing acceptance of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities in the United States. LGBTQ+ individuals have fought for their rights and representation in mainstream culture and media, leading to greater visibility and understanding of their experiences.

However, the US also has a history of sexual repression and conservative attitudes towards sex. The country has a complicated relationship with sex education, with some states promoting abstinence-only programs that exclude important information about contraception and safe sex practices.

Additionally, there are ongoing debates about reproductive rights, including access to contraception and abortion. Conservative groups often seek to limit or ban access to these services, while progressives argue that they are essential for individual autonomy and bodily autonomy.

The #MeToo movement has also brought issues of sexual harassment and assault to the forefront of public discourse. The movement has highlighted the prevalence of sexual violence and the need for systemic change in how society approaches these issues.

Overall, sex and sexuality remain complex and often controversial topics in the United States. While progress has been made towards greater acceptance and understanding of diverse sexual orientations and identities, there are still significant challenges and debates surrounding sex education, reproductive rights, and sexual violence

Sex refers to the physical act of sexual intercourse between two individuals, typically involving genital stimulation and penetration. It is a natural and important aspect of human life, serving as a means of reproduction, pleasure, intimacy, and emotional connection. Sexuality is a complex aspect of human identity that involves one's sexual orientation, desires, preferences, and behaviors. It can encompass a range of activities and practices beyond just intercourse, including kissing, touching, oral sex, and various forms of sexual play. While sex can bring many benefits to individuals and relationships, it is important to engage in safe and consensual practices and to be aware of the potential risks and consequences associated with sexual activity.

Sexual abuse is a serious and pervasive problem in America. It can take many forms, including sexual assault, rape, sexual harassment, and exploitation. Both children and adults can be victims of sexual abuse.

According to data from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in three women and one in six men in the United States experience some form of sexual violence during their lifetime. Additionally, around 20% of girls and 5-10% of boys are victims of child sexual abuse.

Sexual abuse has profound and long-lasting effects on victims, including physical and psychological trauma, shame, guilt, and feelings of powerlessness. It can also contribute to mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, and can lead to drug and alcohol abuse.

The consequences of sexual abuse can also extend beyond the individual victim, affecting their families and communities. It is essential that sexual abuse is recognized as a serious problem and that victims are supported with the resources and services they need to heal and recover.

There are many organizations and resources available for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse, including hotlines, counseling services, and legal advocacy. It is important for individuals to seek help and support if they have experienced sexual abuse.

 

Sex usually refers to the biological aspects of maleness or femaleness, whereas gender implies the psychological, behavioral, social, and cultural aspects of being male or female (i.e., masculinity or femininity). Sex may also refer to the physiological and psychological processes related to procreation and erotic pleasure.

Sexuality encompasses all aspects of sexual behavior, including gender identity, orientation, attitudes, and activity.

Gender, sex and sexuallity are three terms used to help define a person’s identity, but what are they, specifically? Let’s start with sex. No, not that kind of sex. I mean the sex that determines if someone is male or female based on their genitalia.

This one’s relatively simple: if you have a penis, your sex is male and if you have a vagina, your sex is female. Now, there is such a thing as ambiguous genitalia. It’s pretty self-explanatory. This occurs when a person’s genitalia is indistinguishable or, in other words, it can’t be categorized as male or female.

Moving into slightly more complicated ground, let’s talk about sexuality. Sexuality is who you are attracted to. You could be a lesbian, meaning a woman who is attracted to other women. Or, you could be a straight woman who is attracted to men, a gay man who is attracted to men, or a straight man who is attracted to women. But wait, there’s more! You could be asexual, and not feel any form of sexual desire toward anyone, you could be pansexual and be attracted to anyone regardless of sex or gender, you could be bisexual and be attracted to men and women, or you could be a happy combination of anything. Sexuality is just which type of people you’re into, and it certainly doesn’t have to be rigidly defined.

Now for the big one: gender. Gender is who you identify as,  regardless of biological sex or sexuality. To be a cis woman or man means you identify with the societally assumed gender of your biological sex. For example, you’re biologically female (you have a vagina) and you identify as a woman. To be transgender means you do not identify with the assumed gender of your biological sex. For example, a transgender man is a person who was assigned the biological sex of female at birth, but identifies as a man. A transgender woman is a person who was assigned the biological sex of male at birth, but identifies as a woman. Basically, your external, physical body appears one way, but internally you feel another way. You may have male genitalia externally, but internally you identify as a woman. It is also highly possible to be genderqueer, in which case you don’t strongly identify with either gender, or you identify with both, or any range in between.

I know this may all be new and confusing, so let me try to break it down a little. Your sex is assigned to you by other people at birth, while only you can determine your sexuality and gender. Your sexuality is based on who you go to bed with, and your gender is based on who you go to bed as. Your sex is the only thing broken down into rigid categories.

You either have a vagina, a penis, or it’s ambiguous. The others, sexuality and gender, don’t have to be categorized. Some people find ease in being able to identify with a particular category, others don’t like the pressure that comes with it. Both are okay! As long as you’re happy with who you are and understand that your biological sex doesn’t have to fully define you, or anyone else, as a person.