Sexuality

Sexuality:

As you develop physically (go through puberty and hormonal changes) and emotionally, it is
normal to develop sexual feelings and to become more curious about issues related to sex
and your own sexuality. We all know what sex is. But sex is only a small part of who we are
as sexual beings. Even people who are not having sex are sexual beings. And so there’s
another word that you should know and use - that word is sexuality.

Human sexuality is the way people experience and express themselves sexually. This
involves biological, physical, emotional, social, or spiritual feelings and behaviors. Sexuality
has to do with how you identify, how you experience sexual and emotional attraction, your
sexual feelings and thoughts, attractions and behaviours towards other people as well as
your interest in and preferences around sexual and romantic relationships and behavior.
Here are some of the things that are included when we talk about sexuality:

1. Sexuality is about body parts and sex (although it is much more than just that!).

2. Sexuality includes our gender identity (the core sense that we are female, male, both,
neither, or somewhere in between).

3. Sexuality includes gender roles (the idea of how we should behave because of our
gender identity). ie) because we are a boy or a girl

4. Sexuality includes our sexual orientation (heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, asexual,

or other identities).

5. Sexuality includes how we feel about our bodies. We call that “body image,” and poor
body image can have a profound effect on our ability to have healthy relationships. A person
with poor body image may not think they deserve a good partner, and so they may be willing
to settle for someone who will not respect them or who may even abuse them.

6. Sexuality includes our sexual experiences, thoughts, ideas, and fantasies.

7. Sexuality includes our values and beliefs surrounding sex.

8. Sexuality includes the way in which the media, our family, friends and religion shape our
sexual selves.

9. Sexuality includes how we experience intimacy, touch, love, compassion, joy, and sorrow.
Why do we have sex education at school:

● Many teens wonder if what they are going through is normal and may be too shy to
ask someone about these changes. It is important that you accept the changes
happening to your bodies as a natural part of growing up and for you to obtain correct
information about these changes and your sexuality from the right sources so that
you will be able to feel more secure and enjoy successful relationships as adults one
day.

● During this difficult time, it is important that you stick to your values and beliefs and to
not allow your friends and the media to influence you negatively. You need to think
about your personal values and beliefs and decide how you should behave. This may
include waiting for marriage, or waiting until you are an adult, or waiting until meet
the right person before you explore sex.

● The more knowledge you have about sex, the less likely you are to engage in sexual
activities at a young age and get yourself into trouble.

● For some learners, school is the only place they get to learn about since it is not
discussed at home.

● Sex education clears up any lies you may have heard about sex – it provides you
with the truth and with correct information so you can stop listening to people who
make up all sorts of stories.

● If you don’t get educated, then you will be unprepared and end up doing something
you regret. Sex education increases your knowledge of the risks involved – physically
and emotionally.

● To help you develop a positive attitude towards sex. It is not a wrong, evil or dirty act
– but a way to share love and intimacy IF YOU ARE THE CORRECT AGE AND IN A
COMMITTED RELATIONSHIP

● So you can learn the skills to grow into a responsible, mature and caring young adult.

● To give you the strength to ignore requests to experiment and to be strong in your
own beliefs.

What do I know about sex? CLASS DISCUSSION

● From where have you gained your current knowledge about sex?

● What are my family’s beliefs regarding sex and sexuality?

● What are my beliefs regarding sex and sexuality?

● What do I want to know about sexuality and sex? (put answers in a box)
Sexuality Terminology:

Consent:

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Legal age of consent in South Africa:

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Abstinence or to abstain:

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(Teenagers who choose to abstain from sex need to – stay motivated, practise self-control,
develop the skills to say “no”, keep their dignity and communicate well).

Rape:

_________________________________________________________________________

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Virgin:

_________________________________________________________________________

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STD:

_________________________________________________________________________

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Contraception:

_________________________________________________________________________

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Sexting:

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Dangers of sexting and using online media:

_________________________________________________________________________

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Do you know?

What is the age of consent for a person to:

● Have an HIV Test ___________

● Buy condoms ___________

● Take the contraceptive pill ___________

● Terminate a pregnancy ___________

Myths surrounding sex: (a myth is a LIE)

● You can’t fall pregnant the first time you have sex

● You can’t get an STD if you have oral sex

● If you are young, you don’t have to worry about getting an STD

● Condoms are 100% safe protection against pregnancy

● Sex and love are the same thing

● Sex with a virgin can cure HIV/AIDS

● Everyone is having sex

● When a guy gets a girl pregnant he will definitely be happy to marry her

● Having sex is the only way to show that you really love someone

● If you have sex in the bath, you can’t fall pregnant

ALL OF THE ABOVE ARE LIES

Affection without sex?? There are a number of ways to show
affection without having sex.

● ___________________________

● ___________________________

● ___________________________

● ___________________________

● ___________________________

● ___________________________

● ___________________________

If I am having sex, or had sex, how can I ensure my safety and

health?

_________________________________________________________________________

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