Introduction
While sexual expression is a natural part of human beings, many still struggle to express themselves openly, not until the bedroom lights are low and the curtains are drawn. One primary reason is because of the rampant stigmas and taboos around sexuality and sex. Sexual positivity is an ideology that acknowledges an individual’s right to define and experience their sexual identity in whichever way they choose. Sex positivity does not promote sex, and nor does it place moral judgments on whether people enjoy sex or not (Burnes, 2017). Instead, it gives people the platform to consider their sexuality and encourages education on a vast range of sex-related topics.
Course Readings Have Challenged and or Expanded My Understanding of My Sexuality
Chapter three gave me an understanding that adolescent years are the base foundation for sexuality formation and active sex practices. At my age, I am sexually active, and with the numerous misinformed information about sexuality, the chapter has been crucial in giving me reliable information about my sexuality. With the chapter information, I can make good decisions about my sexual health with my partner. It strengthens my ability to make conscious and respectful choices regarding my sexuality.
However, sexuality is part of everyone’s life; it still becomes a veiled subject. Sexual myths and taboos are inappropriate and misleading, and they generate rumors about masturbation and homosexuality (Ivanski & Kohut, 2017). The reading of anatomy No two alike challenged me as it discussed sex openly without stigmatizing it. When one is denied sex education, it makes it difficult for them to explore their sexual orientations. Through the reading, I understood that sexuality is constant and that sexual lifestyles can be experienced in several ways, including using safe sex objects such as toys, erotic massage, and voyeurism. Also, the chapter expanded my knowledge that I can explore my sexuality us sexual constellations that include the opposite gender, bisexual, BDSM, and same-gender sex. The reading challenged me to change how I see myself and that my genitals are just as beautiful and perfect.
Additionally, the readings gave information about sexuality education and teach about human sexuality, including intimate relationships, sexual reproduction, sexual orientation, gender identity, sexual anatomy, and sexual activity. This type of education will help me make informed decisions and safe choices about healthy sexual relationships (Ivanski & Kohut, 2017). It will help me prevent the risks of sexually transmitted diseases. The topics covered in the readings about sexual identity, development of intimacy, and interpersonal relationships gave me an in-depth understanding of my body and how I can derive sexual pleasure. This information is a significant milestone as it helped me form positive attitudes towards sexual orientation. Through the chapter reading, I can now value my body and respectfully interact with all sexes.
What challenged my understanding is that sex education is not doing its intended purpose. Rather it is a program that focuses on self-regulation instead of promoting sexual knowledge and health. It ignores variations of sexual pleasures; thus, it can be said to be sex-negative. It is more focused on creating sexual oppression rather than expression because it discourages communicating the broadness of sexuality. Today’s sex education only perpetuates the dominant norms of culture, such as monogamy, marriage, and heterosexuality (Ivanski & Kohut, 2017). Instead of encouraging different identities of individuals for them to discover their parts.
Many adolescents have low levels of confidence in discussing their sexuality and contraception with their parents. Also, many parents often feel uncomfortable tackling sexuality education with their children. Throughout the chapter, I learned how to communicate about sexual health and sexuality. I realized that I am permitted to openly discuss sex-related topics that are often stigmatized, such as contraception and condoms with my intimate partner or friends, without being judged.
Definition of Sex Positivity
Sex positivity is defined as an ideology of encouraging sexual experimentation and pleasure. It is the idea that a person should embody, explore and learn about their sexuality without being judged. Therefore, it involves being respectful and nonjudgmental regarding diverse sexual expressions, and it advocates for safe sex and comprehensive sex education (Cruz, 2017). Sex positivity values education, communication, and consent that allow individuals to make better-informed decisions about their bodies. It says that sex can be a positive thing in an individual’s life.
Although the term can be interpreted in numerous ways, it is described as having a positive attitude about sexual activities and being comfortable with a person’s sexual identity and sexual behaviors. Sex and sexuality are vast concepts that are interdependent in all facets of life. To be controlled by judgment and shame is a miserable experience, and it inhibits one’s pleasure, thus interfering with their health (Cruz, 2017). Sex positivity is a great source of health, healing, and well-being; therefore, it can drastically improve one’s life.
How to Increase Sex-Positivity
There is still a lot of stigma around sex, and many educational institutions are not offering comprehensive and inclusive sex education. Sex education is part of being sex-positive; therefore, I need to advocate for accurate and adequate information surrounding the topic (Burnes, 2017). It is essential that I understand sexual health education from a younger age. I need to be open to learning more about sexual activity.
As part of owning my sex identity will involve embracing my body, I must understand that everyone has insecurities and practice loving myself. Having confidence in myself will help me increase self-respect and self-empowerment. Knowing my body will empower me and give me the freedom to explore its anatomy without judgment. Accepting my flaws can help me become sex-positive and be comfortable with my body.
To become sex-positive, I need time, commitment, patients, and bravery. Sex positivity requires dedication and becoming aware and practicing anti-oppressive practices and philosophies. I can also try to understand the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of intimacy in my body and my partner. I could also vouch for psychological safety, such as supporting people with a history of sexual abuse or those with sexual dysfunction.
Also, I need to understand the significance of safe sex for both my partner and me. Safe sex will revolve around discussing sexual histories, using condoms, and getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases. Consent from my partner is mandatory; therefore, I need to embrace it. It is crucial that I support my partner’s desires for how and when to engage in sexual activities. Furthermore, I need to understand that having sex is healthy and should be enjoyed (Burnes, 2017). Although some sexual behaviors and practices may not align with my religious and cultural values, I should respect other people’s decisions. Also, I need to accept other people’s sexual practices that differ from my own without morally judging them.
Ways the Readings Could Help People Interested in The Field of Psychology to Increase Sex-Positivity
The reading gives information that sexual identity can take many forms and be devoid of moral judgment. Sex education gives detailed information about contraception, relationships, body image, and sexual orientation. Comprehensive information empowers them to take control of their sexuality and keep their bodies safe. The readings also help them explore their sexuality and discover what works for them. It promotes healthy sexuality by eliminating the shame of openly discussing sex confidently.
The reading advocate for sexual diversity and shuns the dominant culture of promoting sex-shaming and sex-phobic cultures. Regardless of age and sexual orientation, all human beings have sexual rights. It gives the people interested in the field they need to respect other people’s sexual choices (Ivanski & Kohut, 2017). This information can help individuals understand that a person should have the freedom to express their sexual pride in whatever way they please.
Additionally, the reading highlights that differences such as homosexuality, masturbation, and transgender are not disorders but rather strengths that beautify a person’s life. The lessons help an individual to break down the sexual myths of sexual expression for fear of being shamed. Sexual positive psychologists are able to understand that sexuality is a sensitive topic and that it plays a vital role in a person’s life (Burnes, 2017). They will be more comfortable discussing sexuality with their clients since the knowledge from the readings is comprehensive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sex positivity is a framework that promotes the inclusion of all diverse sexual practices. The readings have played a significant role in making me aware of my sexuality and being sex-positive. Also, it has taught me how to value the anatomy of my body. Sex positivity builds the foundation for paving the way for healthy intimate sexual relationships. It can help those in the psychology field by elaborating more on the importance of embracing sexual diversity. The individuals will be more open to exploring creative, diverse sexual interests such as stripping, sexting, erotic massage, and role-playing.
References
Burnes, T. R., Singh, A. A., & Witherspoon, R. G. (2017). Sex Positivity and Counseling Psychology: An Introduction to the Major Contribution. The Counseling Psychologist, 45(4), 470–486. Web.
Cruz, C., Greenwald, E., & Sandil, R. (2017). Let’s Talk About Sex: Integrating Sex Positivity in Counseling Psychology Practice. The Counseling Psychologist, 45(4), 547–569. Web.
Ivanski, C., & Kohut, T. (2017). Exploring definitions of sex positivity through thematic analysis. The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 26(3), 216–225. Web.