Essay Sample on Human Sexuality

Introduction

Sexuality covers a broad spectrum that always leads to the view that gender and sex is theoretically distinct. Sex is the physiological or physical differences between males and females. Gender is the cultural and social roles and distinctions linked with being male or female. Therefore, gender is the main dimension of life changes, institutional participation, socialization and identity that puts one as either feminine or masculine while sex is determined biologically (Siann, 2013). This paper addresses the understanding of sexuality, its importance, differentiating the interaction and dimensions between sex, gender, and sexuality.

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The distinction between gender and sex is based on the examination of gender and sexuality as the main social variables instead of biological variables. Gender is not determined biologically. For example, cultures differ significantly in the way they perceive the temperaments of gender based on their femininity and masculinity. Westbrook & Schilt, (2014) shows that the masculinity and femininity of people in North America especially among Mundugumor, both genders were aggressive, jealous, violent and assertive while among the Arapesh saw genders as passive, cooperative, gentle and sensitive. However, among the Tchambuli the female and male characteristics were opposite as the women were managerial, emotionally inexpressive, domineering, and assertive while men were less responsible, fragile, and emotionally dependent.

With regard to the transgender individuals, it can be deduced that sex is determined by biology. It refers to the physiologically among males and females or intersex with both primary sex characteristics- reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics (facial hair and breasts) (Siann, 2013). This means gender and sex cannot be interchanged. A baby born with male genitalia will be considered male. Nevertheless, as he grows and develops he may identify with the feminine aspects and characteristics of his environment and culture. His sex characteristics will not change because sex is considered to be both physical and biologically distinctions. For example, it is normal for a female, regardless or is culture or environment to develop breast and menstruate but the signs of gender may vary between different environment and societies as noted earlier (Siann, 2013). In American culture, it is females are required to wear skirts but the kilt or skirt worn by a Scottish does not make them feminine.

Sexuality is the individual's capacity of emotional feelings and sexual feelings to an opposite sex. Sexuality can either be asexually, heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual. Asexually are people with no attraction to either sex, bisexual are people attracted to people of either sex, homosexual are people attracted to people of the same sex, and heterosexual are people attracted to the opposite sex (Siann, 2013). People are usually aware of their sexuality or sexual orientation in early adolescents. They do not have to engage in a sexual venture to be aware of their physical, romantic, and emotional attractions. Sexuality may be expressed and experienced in many ways such as relationships, roles, practices, behaviors, values, attitudes, beliefs, desires, fantasies and thoughts (Siann, 2013). These may manifest themselves in spiritual, social, emotional, physical and biological aspects. Emotional sexuality is expressed through physical manifestations and profound feelings of care, trust, and love. Social aspects of sexuality are expressed through the implications of human society on an individual's sexuality. Spiritual sexuality is based on one spiritual connection with others sexually.

Conclusion

The spiritual, social, emotional, physical and biological aspects of sexuality have impacted the religious, ethical, moral, philosophical, legal, political, and cultural aspects of life (Siann, 2013). Recent researches show that bisexuals and homosexuals are treated differently in the military, workplace and schools. For example, LGBT students been subjected to verbal harassment, cyber bullying, and unaccepted in school compared to non-LGBT students (Westbrook & Schilt, 2014). These discriminations are based on homophobia, misinformation and stereotypes. As a result, many policies have been enacted in a bid to prevent sexual discrimination such as the Human Rights Act (Westbrook & Schilt, 2014). Thus, LGBT rights needs to be advocated to create gay pride and promote gay-straight alliance support groups especially in schools.

References

Siann, G. (2013). Gender, sex and sexuality: Contemporary psychological perspectives. Taylor & Francis.

Westbrook, L., & Schilt, K. (2014). Doing gender, determining gender: Transgender people, gender panics, and the maintenance of the sex/gender/sexuality system. Gender & Society, 28(1), 32-57.