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SRH Facilitators’ Training Manual: MODULE 3 Young Adolescents’ Sexual and Reproductive Health
What is sex?
SRH Facilitators’ Training Manual: MODULE 3 Young Adolescents’ Sexual and Reproductive Health
An Explanation of the Circles of Sexuality
Sex refers to whether or not a person is male or female, whether a person has a penis or a
vagina. Many of you may have noticed on different forms you have completed for school or at
the doctor’s office that there is often a question on the form called “Sex.” You are required to
check either male or female. Sex is also commonly used as an abbreviation to refer to sexual
intercourse.
What is sexuality?
Sexuality may be defined as the way
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People think and the attitudes they hold about others,
The way they relate with each other and the opposite sex,
The way they behave, as a result of being females or males.
Sexuality begins at birth and stops at death. However, it differs with age and social exposure.
Sexuality refers to the total expression of who you are as a human being, your femaleness or your
maleness. Everyone is a sexual being. Your sexuality is interplay between body image, gender
identity, gender role, sexual orientation, eroticism, genitals, intimacy, relationships, and love and
affection. A person’s sexuality includes his or her attitudes, values, knowledge and behaviours.
How people express their sexuality is influenced by their families, culture, society, faith and
beliefs.
A very narrow view of sexuality has been limited to sexual relationships and reproduction among
people. It is important to re-examine this concept in the light of working with adolescents or any
group of children at any stage of development. Sexuality is not synonymous with sex; rather it is
part of a person’s entire life from birth to death. It does not only entail genital and reproductive
processes but encompasses gender roles, social roles, self-esteem, feelings and relationships.
Sexuality is how one feels about him/herself as being a male or female, how one consequently
relates to members of the same and opposite sex, and how one feels about her/himself as a totals
person.
The Circles of Sexuality
Source: http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/lessonplans/circlesofsexuality3.htm
NOTE TO THE FACILITATOR: When explaining the circles of sexuality, consider the cultural
context of your group as this section contains very sensitive aspects.
© Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevoelkerung
Sexuality is much more than sexual feelings or sexual
intercourse. It is an important part of who a person is
and what she/he will become. It includes all the feelings,
thoughts, and behaviours associated with being female or
male, being attractive and being in love, as well as being in
relationships that include sexual intimacy and sensual and
sexual activity. It also includes enjoyment of the world as we
know it through the five senses: taste, touch, smell, hearing,
and sight.
© Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevoelkerung
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