Natural and Applied Sciences Lens
Analyzing sexual health and identity through the perspective of natural and applied sciences can identify specific social commentary. The topic of sexual health has been discussed for many years, and its definition keeps evolving. Nowadays, science translates to the public the connection between sexual health and sexual wellbeing and shifts the initial perception of it. It may be the appropriate time to change the direction and present to society the issue of sexual health from a positive perspective. Therefore, the paper’s goal is to analyze the issue from the scientific perspective and recognize the way it can help to address and resolve the sexual health and identity problem.
Modern medicine still more often emphasizes the negative implications and unwanted outcomes such as sexually transmitted diseases or unplanned pregnancy. While the conversations about contraception, HIV/AIDS, and other factors are still important, the approach would include information about sexual pleasure and the usefulness of intimacy, for example (Mitchell et al., 2021). Concentrating on sexual wellbeing from the scientific point of view eliminates the threatening implications around it and can push people towards a more reasonable attitude towards their sexual lives. However, it would be not out of fear but because of the desire to make the experience as much beneficial and pleasant as possible, avoiding risks that can ensure unnecessary distractions.
In addition, science is capable of solving the problem of sexual health provision for people of different genders and identities. There is still a lack of proper treatment and medicine for transgender people, and medical personnel may not be able to perform the correct procedures or assist the person in their issues (Lunde et al. 2021). Misunderstandings regarding the difference between gender and sex still affect the quality of medical health for transgender people (Lunde et al. 2021). In order to resolve the situation, the specifics of sexual care for transgender individuals should be more precisely researched because the knowledge about it is still limited. Furthermore, healthcare has to be more inclusive and give the possibility to get medical assistance, including the necessary treatment for patients with a distinct level of gender transition.
Overall, from the natural and applied science lens, the issue of sexual health and identity has the potential to evolve the new progressive outlooks towards it. Science should study more the beneficial and positive sides of intimacy and share the information with the masses. Moreover, it can help the sexual minorities and dedicate more efforts to researching the aspects and methods of healthcare for transgender people. Science is able to provide underrepresented social groups with innovative approaches and quality medicine.
Social Sciences Lens
Sexual health and identity are widely studied by a diverse range of scientists and researchers worldwide, and it generates many ideas and theories regarding the topic. Although society has achieved certain progress in learning about the reproductive system and safety measures during intimacy, there is still a lot to uncover. Thus, the paper aims to analyze sexual health and identity through the social science lens and identify its impact on social issues.
Social sciences can give a knowledgeable perspective on the issue of sexual health and identity and its impact on social problems. During the studies, researchers identify the groups of populations that struggle because of the drawback of the conditions for their wellbeing. People with disabilities so far experience hardships with accessing sexual health and getting help from professionals (Nakkeeran & Nakkeeran, 2018). Although they may struggle with physical and mental limitations, the majority, however, remain sexually active, but this part of their lives seems to be ignored by the professionals and general society.
Individuals who are representatives of the LGBTQ community and especially transgender people, may experience additional difficulties by being underrepresented. It is harder for sexual minorities to be completely open about their identity and seek professional medical help regarding their sexual health. They can feel unsafe and be at risk of bullying or discrimination. Therefore, sexual education is also an integral part of sexual health, and it influences a lot of people’s attitudes toward sexual health and their personal care about it. Regarding the LGBTQ representatives, they should be able to get the ability to learn about the specifics of the same-sex aspects as well as the heterosexual, cisgender people (Roberts et al., 2020) Many people are affected by the psychological bias that if they are in a romantic relationship with one partner, then they are safe and can avoid passing the medical check and neglecting the protection.Thus, more diverse and progressive education could eliminate some stigma and ignorance around the topic while ensuring that sexual minorities with the necessary knowledge and support in their sexual lives.
In conclusion, the social science perspective on sexual health and identity gives an opportunity to evaluate particular spheres of social life that require some changes and renovations. People with disabilities and LGBTQ community members do not have enough possibilities to get medical assistance or education about sexual health. However, it also allows the healthcare and educational systems to address the issue and become more inclusive.
References
Lunde, C. E., Spigel, R., Gordon, C. M., & Sieberg, C. B. (2021). Beyond the Binary: Sexual and Reproductive Health Considerations for Transgender and Gender Expansive Adolescents. Frontiers in Reproductive Health, 65. Web.
Mitchell, K. R., Lewis, R., O’Sullivan, L. F., & Fortenberry, J. D. (2021). What is sexual wellbeing and why does it matter for public health?. The Lancet Public Health, 6(8), e608-e613. Web.
Nakkeeran, N., & Nakkeeran, B. (2018). Disability, mental health, sexual orientation and gender identity: understanding health inequity through experience and difference. Health research policy and systems, 16(1), 9-19.
Roberts, C., Shiman, L. J., Dowling, E. A., Tantay, L., Masdea, J., Pierre, J.,… & Bedell, J. (2020). LGBTQ+ students of colour and their experiences and needs in sexual health education:‘You belong here just as everybody else’. Sex Education, 20(3), 267-282. Web.