Healthy Sexuality
Healthy sexuality may seem to be “common sense,” but it’s a deeper discussion than just talking about birth control, prophylactics such as condoms, and STIs. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) (2015), healthy sexuality is:
- Having the knowledge and power to express sexuality in ways that enrich your life.
- Perspective that is consensual, respectful and informed
- Free from coercion and violence
Some key thoughts to keep in mind about healthy sexuality are (NSVRC, 2015):
- Be comfortable with your body
- Know that human development includes sexual development, which may or may not include reproduction or sexual experience
- Have access to information and resources to protect and enhance your own sexual health
- Engage in sexual relationships that are consensual, non-exploitative, honest, pleasurable and safe
- Express your sexuality while respecting the rights of others
- Interact with all genders and gender identities in respectful and appropriate ways
- Know the difference between life-enhancing sexual behaviors and those that are harmful to yourself and/or others
- Communicate well with family, peers and romantic partners
- Express your sexuality in ways that are in line with your values
- Enjoy sexual feelings without necessarily acting on them
- Understand the impact of family, cultural, media and societal messages on your thoughts, feelings, values and behaviors
- Accept your own sexual orientation and respect the sexual orientations of others
- Accept your own gender identity and respect the gender identities of others
For further information, check out these resources listed below.
