Abstract:
Humans are sexual beings from birth and sexuality is an essential aspect of humanity and is a natural part of healthy individuals as long as they live . And while sexuality encompasses eroticism, pleasure, intimacy, and reproduction, it also covers gender identities and roles, and sexual orientation. There are different means to express and experience an individual's sexuality -- it can be "experienced and expressed in thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, behaviors, practices, roles, and relationships" . It can also be influenced by the interaction of a number of factors such as one's biological and psychological health, social and economic status, political and cultural background, and ethical and religious upbringing. However, the term sexuality has also been narrowly defined using incorrect connotations, and this is common among "cultural groups where the discussion of sex remains taboo". The Population Education Program of the Department of Education, Culture & Sports (1997) states that sexuality includes self-understanding of one’s maleness or femaleness, attitudes towards one’s body and that of others, and a means of communication and intimacy with another. Thus, being sexually healthy does not simply mean the absence of disease. Complete physical, mental, and social well-being are important for an individual to be considered sexually healthy. It means improving life quality, capability to be more productive, and to "live out one's lifespan with vigor and stamina". WHO (2006) further states that "sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled." [Introduction]
