Sex positivity is based on the belief that sex as an act isn’t something that we should be embarrassed about and neither is one’s sexual orientation. People who believe in being sex positive respect other people’s sexual preferences and feel comfortable with their own sexual orientation.
Examples of Sex positive behaviors
These are several examples of sex-positive behaviors:
- Being open to discussing your sexual preferences and dislikes with your sexual partner.
- Understanding and being comfortable with the fact that your partner might not want to have sex every time you do.
- Understanding there is a difference between intimacy and sex. There are many ways to be intimate without engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal sex.
- Getting tested for sexually transmitted infections whenever needed.
- Practicing safe sex — using condoms and dental dams to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
- Using methods of birth control to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
- Getting tested for HIV and talking to your healthcare provider about whether you are a candidate for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PReP), which is a way to prevent HIV infection.
- Getting vaccinated for HPV.
- Getting regular cancer screenings to prevent cervical cancer
- Being accepting of other people’s consensual sexual practices, even if they differ from your own.
- Learning your own body, how it works, how to keep it protected, and what provides you with sexual pleasure.
- Discovering what gives you pleasure and being open to trying new things.
- Developing communication skills that ensure both you and your partner are getting what you desire from sex and intimacy.
- Advocating for comprehensive sex education so that everyone knows how to have safe sex, what consent means, and that having sex is a natural part of life.
What is the sex positive movement?
The sex-positive movement encompasses all individuals who believe in sex positivity. It focuses on emphasizing safe and consensual sexual activities, regardless of the activity. Each person’s preferences are regarded as their own personal choice, without judgment.
Sex education is another key factor in the sex-positive movement. Every individual needs to receive a comprehensive sex education to explore sex safely. Providing sex and reproductive education is also a way to decrease the taboos that still surround sex in certain cultures and religions.
The opposite of sex positivity is, of course, sex negativity. Sex negativity is based on the belief that sex is destructive unless it’s practiced strictly within the confines of marriage.
Sex positive culture
The sex positive movement has grown exponentially, thanks to social media platforms and modem media.
In the past, sex was a taboo topic that was perceived as shameful and embarrassing to talk about. But in recent years, sex has been recognized as a normal part of life that should be talked about and discussed openly.
These positions have also helped to encourage safe sex, especially after HIV and its prevention became a part of everyday culture in the 1990s.
While sex negativity shames people for their sexual activities, for being victims of sexual abuse, or even for having sex for the first time outside of marriage, a sex-positive culture accepts that everyone has a right to make their own choices about their sex life.
Sex positive parenting
Sex-positive parents seek to teach their children — especially teenagers — about safe sex and consent and to empower them to make their own decisions about their sex lives.
Studies have shown that teenagers who discussed sex openly with their parents are more likely to wait until they’re older to pursue an active sex life. They’re also more likely to approach their parents with any sex-related questions they might have. Growing up in a sex positive household also increases the likelihood that teenagers will engage in safe sex and use condoms and birth control appropriately.
Overall, sex positivity seeks to change negative perceptions about sex and empower all individuals to take control over their bodies and their sex lives. As long as sexual activity is pleasurable and all parties enthusiastically consent, being sex-positive can lead to safer sex and more pleasure for everyone involved!
