Paper Example on Understanding Sex and Sexualities

Introduction

Sexual identity is one of the most complex, intriguing, diverse, important, but least understood aspects of human development. Sexual identity refers to self-acceptance and reflection to sexual self-concept, which involves gender personality, roles, sexual orientation, and sensual attraction. While most people naturally feel contented with their gender and desire to develop intimate contact with members of opposite sex upon maturity, there are those who do not fit into this mold. The increasing attention to diversity and changes to sexual orientation has led to the emergence of minority groups with infinite variations from heterosexual individuals. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and labels such as homosexuals, bisexuals, and heterosexuals among others have become common in the society. Therefore, this paper will describe the sexual identity process and the manner it has changed over time, sexual education, and its influence, especially among the young people.

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Sexual Identity Process

Sexual identity development is a dynamic process characterized by sexual attraction to opposite or same sex, self-labeling, and disclosing your sexual interest to other people. The process is not universally linear as different youth are prone to diverse experiences and changes at various ages. Although the reasons that make someone a gay, lesbian, straight or bisexual are diverse, there is a consensus that sexual orientation identity process starts at a very young age. At an age of three or four years, a child starts identifying with male or female gender. As one gets older, the attraction feelings towards other people get stronger shaping one's sexual identity. Therefore, sexual orientation identity is a continuous realization process that one experience from early childhood through adulthood. However, developing a sexual identity is not a choice and cannot be changed by treatment, therapy, or friend and family pressure.

After gender identity and sexual orientation, one eventually gets to the identity confusion stage. Mostly, this takes place from an early adolescent. One begins to recognize that the information about same-gender sexual orientation also relates to them and their reaction. The confusion phase may last for long, is characterized by a sense of inconsistency, incongruence, and attempts to avoid interaction with members of the opposite gender. Afterward, people get to identity comparison stage where they examine the effects of being bisexual, gay, or lesbians. Since most people grow with certain heterosexual expectation and behavior advice, the comparison phase makes the affected people feel different and distance themselves from peers and family members.

When people get to accept their sexual orientation they start to recognize the social, emotional and sexual needs associated with it, increasing their commitment and identity tolerance. Consequently, they join and get involved with people sharing a similar identity, which offers them an opportunity to meet potential partners. The interaction also offers them a chance to meet positive role models and feel at ease with their identity despite rejection and critics from their family, peers, and society. Eventually, lesbians, gays, and bisexuals get to accept and develop a sense of belonging to a group whom they share similar interests.

Over the years, the society has also started to accommodate and accept other sexual identities rather than strictly advocating for heterosexuality. Because of previous social attitudes, people used to be astonished after discovering that a given friend, spouse, parent, or sibling is bisexual, lesbian or gay. As a result, loathing, condemnation, and discrimination were common among non-heterosexuals. Today, victimization has decreased with some groups advocating for equal rights and recognition of various sexual identities.

Education in Sexuality and STIs

In the contemporary society, young people face significant decisions about sexual behaviors, relationships, and sexuality that mostly have a profound impact on their well-being and health. The society, therefore, has a responsibility to prepare youths to face emerging challenges such as sexually transmitted infections by providing them with comprehensive sexual health education. Sexuality education involves programs on abstinence, use of contraceptives, and disseminating age-appropriate information and skills necessary in making responsible health and sexual choices.

Sex, sexuality and STIs education should start as simple anatomy lessons during early childhood. At the age of two years, a child should learn to distinguish being a female or a male. At five years, children should learn the basics of reproduction and privacy of their body parts. At eight years, most children ask specific questions in relation to sex and sexuality. At this time, it becomes necessary to form a basic background on heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality among other emerging sexual identities in the society. Likewise, children should learn about social conventions of nudity, privacy, and relationships at an age of ten.

At puberty, it is essential to elaborate more on abstinence, safer sex and use of contraceptives. For teens who are usually private with their sexuality and sexual experiences, it is important to encourage them to develop open relationships with parents and attend educative sex and sexuality programs. Most of the educative programs should also expound more on sexual identities. Although sexual orientation is rigid in nature, involving younger age in sexual education might influence their personal identities. Therefore, sex education should be encouraged though in moderation and based on age.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the contemporary culture is heavily sexualized, which is an important part of being human. Through sexuality, people are able to connect with others at intimate levels, express themselves and develop strong bonds in their relationships. The sexual script has shifted from looking down and victimizing people based on their sexual preference to accepting different sexual identities. Lastly, sexual education, especially among the youths, has promoted respect for all people regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.

References

Rosario, M., Schrimshaw, E. W., & Hunter, J. (2011). Different patterns of sexual identitydevelopment over time: Implications for the psychological adjustment of lesbian, gay, andbisexual youths. Journal of sex research, 48(1), 3-15.

Strong, B., & Cohen, T. F. (2013). The marriage and family experience: Intimate relationships ina changing society. Cengage Learning.