Lecture Notes on Sexuality

Flashcards about Sexuality

What is Sexuality?

More than just sex; it's about how we feel about our bodies, express ourselves, and relate to others, including feelings, relationships, values, and personal growth.

What is Puberty?

The changes our bodies go through as we grow.

What is Respect?

Treating ourselves and others with kindness and value.

What is Sexuality?

How people experience and express themselves as sexual beings, involving values, thoughts, feelings, and relationships.

What is Sensuality?

Awareness and enjoyment of our bodies and senses.

What is Intimacy?

The ability to be close to someone emotionally and physically.

What are Sexual Acts?

Behaviors people may choose to engage in to express sexual feelings (with emphasis on safety, consent, and age-appropriateness).

What are Sexual Health and Reproduction?

How bodies function, preventing disease and pregnancy, and staying healthy.

What is Sexual Identity?

Your sense of being male or female, your gender roles, and who you are attracted to.

What are the key steps of Assertiveness Skills?

Speak clearly, be honest and open, firm and direct; be respectful; state your needs using 'I' statements; say 'No' if needed; avoid blaming; describe facts specifically; be matter-of-fact and use humor if appropriate.

What should you do if an older family friend touches you in a way that makes you uncomfortable?

Say 'No! I don’t like that and I want you to stop,' move away, and tell someone you trust, reinforcing that your body belongs to you and you don’t have to accept uncomfortable touch.

What should you do if you are dancing with someone, and the person pulls you too close for your liking?

Say, ‘Hey, you’re too close. I do not feel comfortable with you being this close to me. Back up a bit, please.’ If they don’t listen, move away immediately and stop dancing. Speak up again if needed and ask for help if you feel unsafe.

What should you do if you are standing at a locker at school and a student brushes his/her hand along your back?

Turn to them, look them in the eye, and say firmly, “Hey, don’t touch me like that. I don’t like it.” Repeat if necessary. If it continues, walk away and report it to a trusted adult.

What should you do if you are out with a boyfriend and he wants to go further than you are comfortable with?

Pull back and say clearly, “I’m not ready for that.” If he pressures you, repeat, “No, I don’t want to,” and suggest doing something else. If he still doesn’t respect your boundary, leave and talk to someone you trust.

What are Sexual Choices?

The decisions a person makes about their body, relationships, and sexual activity, including whether or not to be in a romantic relationship, hold hands, kiss, or become sexually active.

What are Good Sexual Choices?

Thinking before acting, knowing what you're ready for, saying 'NO' if something feels wrong, choosing respectful friends and partners, and understanding that waiting is a strong choice.

What is Consenting sex?

When both people clearly agree to engage in sexual activity; they must be of legal age, fully aware, and free to say yes or no at any time.

What is Age of consent?

Age at which sexual intercourse is permitted by law.

What is Non-Consenting Sex?

When one person does not agree to sexual activity, including any sexual contact without permission; considered sexual assault or rape; consent cannot be given if a person is underage, threatened, or under the influence.

What is Rape?

When a person is forced or coerced into sexual activity without their consent, including physical force, threats, manipulation, or taking advantage of someone who cannot consent.

What is an Abusive Relationship?

When one person uses control, fear, or harm to dominate the other, including physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological abuse.

What is Incest?

Sexual activity between family members too closely related by blood; illegal and a form of sexual abuse, especially when it involves minors or is non-consensual.

What is Sex Work?

Providing sexual services for money or goods, including prostitution, pornography, and escort services.

What is Abstinence?

Choosing not to do something, especially something risky, like sexual activity. Choosing abstinence helps to avoid unplanned pregnancy, guard against STIs and stay in control of your future.