Human Sexuality Overview

The World Health Organization’s working definition of sexuality is: “…a central aspect of being human throughout life encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction. Sexuality is experienced and expressed in thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviors, practices, roles and relationships. While sexuality can include all of these dimensions, not all of them are always experienced or expressed. Sexuality is influenced by the interaction of biological, psychological, social, economic, political, cultural, legal, historical, religious and spiritual factors.” (WHO, 2006a)
In short, Sexuality is a complicated subject.

Each of us has a unique sexuality based on our experiences, knowledge, and personality. Sexuality encompasses a person’s gender, gender role, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual preference, and the way they affect emotional, physical, social, and spiritual life. Human Sexuality is the total of our physical, emotional and spiritual responses, thoughts and feelings. Sexuality is more about who we are than about what we do.

Based on this broad view of sexuality, discuss your understanding of sexuality, your own sexuality and why it is important. In your discussion, be sure to differentiate between sex, gender, and sexuality, as well as be able to describe the interaction between these three concepts. Consider the different dimensions (ex. biological, psychological, social, political, etc.) and how they impact sexuality in general and/or your own unique sexuality.