Gender and sexuality
Sexuality and sex are not the same thing. Sex is only a small part of sexuality. There is one golden rule when it comes to sexuality or sexual orientation: everyone has the right to self-determination. You yourself have the right to determine who you are, what you want to be, and how you want to be seen. You also have the right to not be sure. You may decide to define yourself, or not - and you have the right to change your mind. Remember that everybody has these same rights.
Sexuality and sex are not the same thing. Sex is only a small part of sexuality. There is one golden rule when it comes to sexuality or sexual orientation: everyone has the right to self-determination. You yourself have the right to determine who you are, what you want to be, and how you want to be seen. You also have the right to not be sure. You may decide to define yourself, or not - and you have the right to change your mind. Remember that everybody has these same rights.
Each one of us has many different characteristics, for example left-handedness, musical taste or brown eyes. Sexual orientation, sexual identity and gender expression are just a few of the many features and characteristics that define us. For example, there are many different definitions of the concepts of femininity and masculinity, and the words “masculinity” and “femininity” can mean something completely different to each individual.
Sometimes it is important to be able to understand and define your own identity with certain words. Through words and classification one can identify with groups where community and security can be found. However, these classifications can also produce frustration and anxiety if you feel the need to hide part of yourself or transform into something you don’t feel you are to conform with a certain group. We can define our own identity as precisely as we want, but care must be taken not to define others in roles that they do not perceive as their own. If you are unsure about this, then it is better to ask the other person for their view.
Sometimes it is important to be able to understand and define your own identity with certain words. Through words and classification one can identify with groups where community and security can be found. However, these classifications can also produce frustration and anxiety if you feel the need to hide part of yourself or transform into something you don’t feel you are to conform with a certain group. We can define our own identity as precisely as we want, but care must be taken not to define others in roles that they do not perceive as their own. If you are unsure about this, then it is better to ask the other person for their view.
As its best, sexuality produces pleasure, happiness and increases our well-being
Sexuality is a feature that each person has throughout their life and that manifests itself in different ways in different life stages and situations. Does it matter to you what the sexual orientation or gender identity of your friend or a stranger is? Why?
Sexual orientation is about who you fall in love with. In the process of self-understanding and identity-finding, the terms heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual (plus any other words that describe sexual orientation) can be important. This is the case especially if you can’t find your own place for your experiences in the so-called “mainstream”. Some people don’t want to define their own orientation - not previously, not at now or maybe never, and that’s just ok.
Everyone has the right to be accepted as they are. Secrecy eats up energy and increases the feeling of loneliness. Your own well-being is affected by the ability to be your true self with your loved ones. By your own actions, you can influence how open and safe others feel around you.
Everyone has the right to be accepted as they are. Secrecy eats up energy and increases the feeling of loneliness. Your own well-being is affected by the ability to be your true self with your loved ones. By your own actions, you can influence how open and safe others feel around you.
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