Updated/Revised Date: 19th Sep 2022
Author: Sexual Diversity | Contact: SexualDiversity.org
Additional References: Sexuality Publications
Synopsis: Information regarding human sexuality issues including LGBTQ+, sexual health, dating, and current affairs.
Human sexuality is the way people experience and express themselves sexually. This involves biological, psychological, physical, erotic, emotional, social, or spiritual feelings and behaviors. Sexuality is diverse, and there are many different types. It can take time to figure out the sexuality that fits you best. And your sexuality can change over time. Sexuality is an integral part of who you are. There is no right or wrong; it’s about what’s right for you. Sexuality is not about who you have sex with or how often you have it. Sexuality is about your sexual feelings, thoughts, attractions, and behaviors towards other people. You can find other people physically, sexually, or emotionally attractive, and all those things are a part of your sexuality. Coming to terms with your sexuality can be a very liberating, exciting, and positive experience.
Human sexuality is the capacity to have erotic experiences and responses. Males and females are anatomically similar; this extends to some degree with regard to the development of the reproductive system. As adults, they have different reproductive mechanisms that enable them to perform sexual acts and reproduce. Both men and women react to sexual stimuli in somewhat of the same fashion with only minor differences. Women have a monthly reproductive cycle and the male sperm production cycle is more continuous.
A person's sexual orientation may influence their sexual interest and attraction for another person. Sexuality may be experienced and expressed in a variety of ways, including through thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviors, practices, roles and relationships, which may manifest by way of biological, physical, emotional, or spiritual aspects.
The biological and physical aspects of sexuality largely concern the reproductive functions of the sexes (including the human sexual response cycle), and the basic biological drive that exists in all species. Physical, as well as emotional, aspects of sexuality also include the bond that exists between individuals, and is expressed through profound feelings or physical manifestations of emotions of love, trust, and caring.
Spiritual aspects of sexuality concern an individual's spiritual connection with others. Sexuality additionally impacts and is impacted by cultural, political, legal, and philosophical aspects of life. It can refer to issues of morality, ethics and theology, or religion.
Sexuality in humans generates profound emotional and psychological responses. Some theorists identify sexuality as the central source of human personality. Psychological studies of sexuality focus on psychological influences that affect sexual behavior and experiences. Early psychological analyses were carried out by Sigmund Freud, who believed in a psychoanalytic approach. He also conjectured the concepts of erogenous zones, psychosexual development, and the Oedipus complex, among others.
Human sexuality can also be understood as part of the social life of humans, governed by implied rules of behavior and the status quo. This focus narrows the view to groups within a society. The socio-cultural context of society places major influences on and form social norms, including the effects of politics and the mass media. In the past people fought for their civil rights, and such movements helped to bring about massive changes in social norms, examples include the sexual revolution and the rise of feminism.
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The above information is from our reference library of material relating to Sexuality that includes: | |
 | Sex Lives in Britain Revealed Study reveals the number of sexual partners we have changes as we age, and there are some surprising results. Publish Date: 8th Sep 2023 |
 | Dr. Tatiana’s Sex Advice to all Creation by Olivia Judson– a book review The Definitive Guide to the Evolutionary Biology of Sex: A delightful opportunity to watch things get weird and wild in the name of science and sex. Publish Date: 14th Jun 2023 |
| Survey Finds 1 in 15 Changed Reported Sexual Identity Over a Six-Year Period Report reveals over 6% of the UK population aged 16 and over, or 1 in 15, changed their reported sexual identity over a 6 year period. Publish Date: 12th Jun 2023 |
| Sexually Active Women Not Judged More Harshly Than Men This research adds weight to the growing body of evidence that sexual double standards have very little basis in reality. Publish Date: 16th May 2023 |
| Sexual Assault Awareness Month - One Healthy Meal April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month #SAAPM. Publish Date: 21st Apr 2023 |
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Alphabetical list of gender identities.
2Transgender Reporting Guide
How to write about transgender people.
3Glossary of Sexuality Terms
Definitions of sexual terms & acronyms.
4Glossary of Gender Terms
Definitions of gender related terms.
5Am I Gay? Questions to Ask
Think you may be gay or bisexual?
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• (APA): SexualDiversity.org. (2022, September 19). Sexual Diversity and Sexuality Information. SexualDiversity.org. Retrieved December 5, 2023 from www.sexualdiversity.org/sexuality/
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