UNIT 1 SEX AND SEXUALITY

Structure
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Objectives
1.2 Key Elements of Sexuality
1.2.1 Definition of sexuality
1.2.2 Stages of Development of Sexuality
1.2.3 Various sexual behaviours indulged by adolescents

1.3 Sexual Orientation and Identity

1.3.1 Sexual Orientation
1.3.2 Sexual Identity

1.4 Role of Teachers and Parents in developing Healthy sexual attitude

1.5 Let us sum up
1.6 Key words
1.7 Answers to check your progress
1.8 References

1.0 INTRODUCTION
Adolescence is a period of change for an individual. You may have learnt about
the physical, cognitive, emotional/psychological changes in adolescents in Block
2 of theory course 1. Another significant change that occurs in this phase relates
to reproductive and sexual organs, about which you have learnt in Block 3 of
theory course 1. These changes are expressed in the form of certain behaviour
in children up to 12 years that include discovering about self and the opposite sex,
curiosity about the sex organs, playing “Doctor”. As adolescence sets in, the
behaviour and experiences are expressed in the form of dreaming, fantasizing,
hugging, dating, kissing, holding hands, touching their private parts.
People of all ages and at all stages of life experience sexual desire. They need
information on sexuality to enjoy their lives free of fear, stigma and disease. In
India, temple arts and structures represented sex and sexuality in an overt form.
However, in our daily lives, sexual expression is governed and controlled by
social factors by way of strict moral codes of conduct. There is a culture of
silence around these topics. Information about sexuality has to flow through proper
channel or else adolescents find other non trustable channels to gather information.
This could mislead them. Because of shame and secrecy surround sexuality,
people hesitate to seek help and information openly, much to the detriment of their
health and well-being. Thus through this unit we will explore the science of sex
and sexuality with authentic references so that the information could be passed on
to our future generations.
Different individuals may influence and shape people’s sexuality differently. For
example, parents may be hesitant to discuss topics related to sexuality with their 5
Adolescent Sexuality children while some teachers may find it comfortable to discuss the same with the
adolescents or vice-versa. Since concerns about sexuality arise early in our lives,
correct and complete information given in easy to understand and decent language
helps to enhance the quality of lives of people, clarifying certain myths and
misconceptions and helps to make informed choices. For example, protection
from diseases/infection, unwanted pregnancies, sexual abuse and so on.

1.1 OBJECTIVES
After completing this units, you will be able to:
 define the terms sex and sexuality;
 explain the components of sexuality;
 identify the factors that shape our sexuality;
 differentiate between sexual orientation and sexual identity;
 state some common expressions of sexuality; and
 recognize your role in inculcating healthy sexual attitudes among adolescents.

1.2 KEY ELEMENTS OF SEXUALITY

Before you learn about the key elements of sexuality in detail, let us do a quick
exercise.
Activity 1
Take a piece of paper and write all the words that you would associate with
the term “sexuality” in your learning journal. You could take 5 minutes to
complete this exercise.

1.2.1 Definition of Sexuality

Sexuality covers a wide range of issues, emotions and experiences. While there
is no single agreed upon definition, the definition given below would help to
understand the concept of sexuality in a comprehensive manner.
Sexuality is a central aspect of being human throughout life and encompasses
sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure,
intimacy and reproduction. Sexuality is experienced and expressed in thoughts,
fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviours, practices, roles and
relationships. While sexuality can include all of these dimensions, not all of
them are always experienced or expressed. Sexuality is influenced by the
interaction of biological, psychological, social, economic, political, cultural,
ethical, legal, historical, religious and spiritual factors. (WHO draft working
definition, 2002)
It is evident by the definition given above that sexuality covers various components.
Sexuality is more than the act of sexual intercourse.
Concept of sex
Sex refers to biological difference between females and males present at birth.
6
 Sex and Sexuality
These include anatomical differences such as vagina (in females) and penis (in
males), genetic differences found in a person’s chromosomal make up or
physiological differences such as menstruation in females and sperm production in
males. You have already learnt about these concepts in Block 3 units 1, 2 and
3 of Theory course I.
Sex can also be used to describe behaviours/physical acts that may produce
sexual pleasure and reproduction. The most common expression of sexual
intercourse is the male-female (penile-vaginal intercourse).
You have already learnt about concept of pregnancy in Block 3, unit 3 of Theory
course I. sexually transmitted diseases are also caused due to unhealthy sexual
counters. More information on STI will be provided to you in Block 3, unit 1
of theory course 2. As it is clear from the definition given above, sex is only a
part of the larger term known as sexuality.

1.2.2 Stages of Development of Sexuality

In the following section the stages of development of sexuality will be discussed:
Sensuality: This constitutes awareness and feelings about your body and other’s
bodies, especially of your sexual partner.
Intimacy: This constitutes the ability to be emotionally close with another person
and to accept closeness in return. Intimacy includes:
 Sharing and Caring: These make the personal relationships rich and worthwhile.
Joys and pain are to be shared, which in turn express care.
 Liking/Loving another person: Having emotional connection apart from just
physical contact shows intimacy.
Sexual identity: The three interlinked components of gender identity, gender role
and sexual orientation constitute the sexual identity of an individual. It includes:
 Gender Identity: It is understanding whether one is male or female.
 Gender role: These are socially constituted roles of males and female in the
society and are different from sex roles that are biologically determined (For
example, females menstruate and males produce sperms). Gender roles
expect the females to show “feminine’ characteristics/behaviours like being
soft, submissive, beautiful, dependant and so on. Gender roles also expect
males to show “masculine” characteristics/behaviours like being strong,
assertive/aggressive, macho and independent, in control, decision maker and
so on. You will learn more about “gender” in unit 2, Block 4 of Theory
course I.
 Sexual orientation: This determines whether a person’s basic attraction is
towards people of same sex (Homo sexuality) or opposite sex (hetero
sexuality) or both the sexes (bisexuality). Terms like gays, lesbians etc. are
used to identify people’s sexual orientation. You will learn more about it in
another section of this unit (Section 1.4).
Reproduction and sexual health: This constitutes a person’s ability to procreate
and also enjoy healthy sexual life. It includes:
7
Adolescent Sexuality  Factual information about reproduction: Knowledge about anatomy and
physiology of male and female bodies, process of conception, pregnancy
and child birth are important to make informed choices regarding sexual
expression and to ensure well being of self and partner.
 Sexual intercourse/sex: A behaviour/act that produces sexual pleasures when
penile- vaginal intercourse takes place.
 You will learn more about it in a later section (1.5) of this unit.
 Factual information on contraceptive methods: Comprehensive knowledge
about this will promote healthy sexual expression, and prevent infection/
diseases and unwanted pregnancies.
1.2.3 Various Sexual Behaviours Indulged by Adolescents
Though sex is understood and expressed in a physical manner, it is more than just
a physical activity. Sex involves feelings, thoughts, beliefs and values. These sexual
feelings and expressions engage people in different ways. For example, holding
hands, fantasizing, gazing affectionately and kissing.
Kissing is the pleasurable touching of ones lips against another’s or other parts
of the body. Deep kissing is pressing the mouths together with the lips parted,
which allows for one’s tongue to play in the other’s mouth.
Masturbation is the manual stimulation of one’s genitals. It may involve rubbing,
stroking and caressing one’s own genitals. This can occur individually or with
other person(s). It is a normal and natural activity, done by boys and girls, men
and women. As long as people take care to not hurt themselves and do not let
it interfere with the other things they have to do like games, studies etc., there is
no harm in masturbating. There are a number of myths associated with masturbation,
although it is one of the safest forms of sex in relation to HIV transmission. It is
a personal and pleasurable act. The act is not dirty and it does not matter how
often you masturbate.
Fantasy: Having day dreams/fantasies about sexual behaviour is normal among
adolescents. For some adolescents heroes and heroines from cinema become the
role models and they try to emulate them, often leading to disappointment.
Experiencing pleasure : When certain parts of the body are touched (like
holding hands, hugging, kissing etc.) in loving and caring ways, feeling of pleasure
is experienced by adolescents/youth.
Obscene phone calls: This is a punishable offence in India and complaint can
be lodged with the police. In this the anonymous callers indulge in obscene talks
which results in a feeling of helplessness and harassment on part of the receiver.
Use of SMS through Mobile: Sending vulgar messages through mobile phone
via SMS is also one of the common sexual behaviours indulged by adolescents.
Eroticism: Feeling sexual excitement/enjoyment from certain actions/images
etc.(For example, pornography)
Sexual harassment: It includes a variety of behaviours. For example, making
fun/passing remarks about some one’s appearance/body parts; unwanted touching;
demands by teacher or other people in authority in exchange for marks, promotion,
8
salary raise; eve teasing and so on. These are behaviours that are manipulative
 Sex and Sexuality
and people have a right to lodge a complaint against sexual harassment. This is
a punishable offence in India.
Rape: This is a criminal offence in India and the rapist may be sentenced up to
7 years in jail. The punishment is more severe if the victim is a minor. Rape means
coercing/forcing/refusing to accept no in order to have genital contact with the
other person. The rapist always uses strength/power/threat with the victim and
induces fear, humiliation, guilt and low self-esteem in the victim. Sometimes the
scars/psychological damage take many years to heal. People should lodge a
complaint in case of rape. You will learn more about it in Block 3, unit 2 of theory
paper II.
In conclusion, it is important to be aware of the various expressions, behaviours
and activities relating to sexuality. This would help individuals to assess or seek
information and services in order to protect themselves against the impact or
consequences of these behaviours and activities. All of us have the right to
express our sexuality freely and in a manner that does not harm others or cause
violence. Expressing sexuality falls in the private domain and all forms of expression
should be respected.

1.3 SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND IDENTITY

The key elements of sexuality have been discussed earlier. Mass media (both
electronic media and print media) helps to shape our sexuality. It also throws up
a few questions and increases our curiosity regarding some expressions/behaviour
of people that may seem different at times. For example,
 Men dressing up as women in T.V. serials/cinema and showing feminine
characteristics.
 Reports of protests or parade by gay, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender,
in Newspaper/T.V.
 Transgender performing at events like marriage, child birth etc. and giving
their blessings.
 Reports of people of same sex getting married and living as a couple, in
newspapers/T.V.
This section will address these issues in detail.

1.3.1 Sexual Orientation

Sexual orientation defines a person’s sexual attraction to the other person. This
sexual orientation or preference could be of three types:
a) Heterosexuality is a state of being when a person is sexually attracted to a
person of the opposite sex. This is the most common and acceptable form
of sexual orientation in our society.
b) Homosexuality is a state of being when a person is sexually attracted to
another person of the same sex. You may be familiar with terms like gay
(male homosexual) and lesbians (female homosexual) in this context.
Homosexuals do not openly come out in public as they are not acceptable
in society. 9
Adolescent Sexuality c) Bisexuality is a state of being when a person is sexually attracted to people
of both sexes. Many bi -sexual are in dual relationship as they are under
pressure from family to get married and have children. At the same time, they
have sexual attraction and relationship with partners of same sex.
Though sexual orientation may begin to emerge by adolescence or puberty, it gets
strengthened/confirmed much later. Therefore, sexual play with same sex peers,
crushes on same sex adult or sexual fantasies about same sex people are normal
for adolescent and are not necessarily related to sexual orientation.
1.3.2 Sexual Identity
Sexual identity refers to how an individual feels on the inside as a sexual being.
For example, a boy may feel that he is actually a girl trapped in a boy’s body.
Some people express/manifest their sexual identity differently. Some of these
include:
 Transvestite: Person, who dresses, uses cosmetics and acts like a person
of the opposite sex.
 Trans- sexual: Person, who has taken measures to change his/her physical
characteristics to completely resemble the sex to which s/he feels s/he belongs.
For example, taking hormones and having a sex change operation etc.
 Transgender: Person who has characteristics of both transvestite and
transsexual. For example, dressing like the opposite sex and taking hormones,
but not having a sex change operation.
In short, how a person identifies himself/herself in terms of gender (social construct)
and sexual orientation defines the sexual identity of that person.
To conclude, all forms of sexual preferences and identities should be respected.
Heterosexuality may be preferred choice of majority of individuals. But the sexual
preferences/orientation of minorities (gays, bi sexual, lesbians, transgender etc.)
should be accepted and allowed to be freely expressed and practiced. These
sexual minorities should have equal rights as any other heterosexuals in terms of
sexual preference and expression. They are not criminals or mentally ill. They
should not be stigmatized or criminalized. The recent high court ruling related to
legalizing consensual homosexual activity between 2 adults is a welcome step in
this direction.
Check Your Progress 1
Define the following terms:
a. Seduction
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
b. Transgender
10 ...........................................................................................................
 Sex and Sexuality
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
c. Bisexuality
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
d. Masturbation
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................

1.4 ROLE OF TEACHERS AND PARENTS IN

DEVELOPING HEALTHY SEXUALATTITUDE
– Adolescent years are full of excitement, curiosity, confusion, dreams,
aspirations, frustrations and disappointments. There are many things to deal
with – studies, career, friend, parties and relationships and so on. Sexuality
is a part of everyone’s life and it starts emerging around adolescence. Whether
or not adolescents are sexually active, they need information so that they can
be healthy and safe. Apart from getting the information, sexuality is shaped
by peers, family and the larger society. Teachers and parents can contribute
in developing a healthy sexual attitude amongst adolescents.
– Parents and teachers often fear that information on sexuality would encourage
adolescent to indulge in sexual behaviour or other forms of sexual
experimentation. In fact, studies have shown that when young people/
adolescents have information about sexuality, they make responsible decisions
like delaying sexual debut, engaging in healthy behaviour etc. (WHO-1996).
Parents and teachers need to have realistic expectation from adolescents.
 The strengths of the adolescents should be highlighted and built upon. They
should be encouraged to improve their own standards/levels (academics,
sport, extra curricular, health and nutrition etc.) and should not be compared
with others. Comparison with others leads to frustration and depression
where as improving one’s own standards/level increases self confidence and
self esteem.
 Parents and teachers firstly need to overcome certain barriers before they
can start communicating with adolescents. Barriers including their own
prejudices/biases, lack of decent and appropriate language and terminology
to address issues related to sexuality, hesitation and fears regarding
consequences of sexuality education etc. Accurate and complete information
11
Adolescent Sexuality given to the adolescents in a simple and decent language will promote healthy
sexuality amongst them.
 Parents and teachers could help the adolescents in challenging certain values
and beliefs and also experimenting with things like discovering and encouraging
a skill/talent or aptitude, experimenting with different kind of dressing style/
look, challenging certain gender stereotypes and so on. However, trying out
new behaviour like drinking, smoking, experimenting with drugs etc. should
not be encouraged, they may serve as a gate way to other forms of addictions,
sexual abuse etc. Adolescents should be made aware of these undesirable
behaviour and their consequences so as to help them to take proper decisions
in their lives.
 If for some reason, teachers and parents are unable to communicate with
adolescents on some issues related to sexuality, they could get them some
people like social workers/counsellors who can talk with them.
 Encourage them to ask questions, seek clarifications, and express their
opinions and so on. In order for this to happen, teachers and parents should
have effective communicating skills. They should provide an environment of
trust, respect, openness and confidentiality to facilitate proper interaction
with adolescents.
 If adolescents are confused about their sexuality, encourage them to speak
up and share. Ignoring or suppressing matters does not help. Similarly, if
adolescents/children report about sexual abuse or unwelcome touch, parents
and teachers should trust them and listen to them. They could assure the
adolescents/children that it is not their fault. Counselling services could be
arranged for these children/adolescents if required. Abusers should not be
protected and cases of abuse should be reported to the concerned authority.
To conclude, everyone has a right to a life of dignity, to liberty and to health. As
far as sexuality is concerned, adolescents have the rights to:
– Accurate inputs about sexuality
– Express or not express their sexuality, safely
– Make decisions about sexuality in their own lives
– Not to be forced in any way into being physical or sexual
– Say ‘No’ to an unwanted touch of any kind
Source:-”The Blue Book of TARSHI”
Check Your Progress 2
Answer the following briefly:
a) Name and define two behaviours/expressions that adolescents/youth
commonly use to express their sexuality.
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
12 ...........................................................................................................
 Sex and Sexuality
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
b) Explain with two examples how gender roles/characteristics influence
sexuality in adolescents.
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
c) Name the key elements of sexuality. Categorize them into positive and
negative aspects.
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
d) How is sex different from sexuality?
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................

1.5 LET US SUM UP

Adolescence is a period of rapid changes in individuals. The most significant
change is in the area of sexual development and being comfortable with one’s
sexuality. The term sexuality, as you have learnt is complex and encompasses
many aspects, both positive and negative. The positive aspects/elements include
sensuality, intimacy, sexual identity and reproductive and sexual health. These
elements/aspects contribute towards building positive self image, confidence,
empowerment and pleasure in individuals. The negative aspects/elements include
violent and cruel behaviours like rape and sexual harassment. The negative
elements contribute towards inflicting fear, pain, guilt and low self esteem in
individuals.
Healthy physical and emotional make up or attributes contribute towards confidence,
approval and healthy sexual experience as well. Lack of acceptance for sex
education, mass media, gender related norms and social values are some of the
socio cultural factors that influence an individual’s sexuality.
The much in demand topic pertaining to sexual orientation and identity has been
discussed in detail. Heterosexuality is a common and preferred choice of sexual
13
Adolescent Sexuality preference for a majority of individuals. However, the rights of minorities like
Bisexuals, Homosexuals and transgender should be protected and respected.
A variety of sexual expressions have been discussed. Some of them are more
acceptable than others. One needs to be non-judgmental as far as these expressions
of sexuality are concerned as they fall in the private domain. The role of teachers
and parents has been consciously incorporated as they influence value building
among adolescents. Breaking the culture of silence around sexuality, giving the
adolescents complete and correct information in a simple language, linking them
with relevant health services will go a long way in reducing anxieties in them and
will enable them to take proper decisions on sexual issues, thereby preventing
infections and unwanted pregnancy and promoting good health and safety.

1.6 KEY WORDS

Abstinence (sexual) : refraining from sexual activity such as intercourse
Adolescence : the period of life beginning with puberty and ending,
with completed growth and physical maturity
Anal intercourse : sexual intercourse in which the penis is inserted
into the partner’s anus
Arousal (sexual) : heightened state of sexual excitement
Bisexual : having a sexual interest in, or sexual relations with,
both sexes
Bi-sexuality : the state of an individual who engages in both
heterosexual and homosexual relations
Circumcision : a surgical procedure in which the foreskin of the
penis is removed
Clitoris : the female organ devoted entirely to increasing
sexual tension, located just above the urinary and
vaginal openings
Coitus : sexual intercourse between a male and female, in
which the penis is inserted into the vagina
Conception : the penetration of an ovum by a sperm, resulting
in the development of embryo
Douche : cleansing of vagina with a liquid, usually water,
vinegar or a commercially prepared product
Effeminate : not manly in appearance or manner, having feminine
qualities
Ejaculate : semen
Emission : discharge of semen from the penis, especially
involuntary as during sleep

14
 Sex and Sexuality
Erection : the stiffening and enlargement of the penis, usually
as a result of stimulation and sexual excitement
Erotica : materials, books, pictures and films that portray
sex or sexual activity with the intent of arousing
the viewer
Feminine : of or characteristic of female sex or gender.
Gay : another term for male homosexual
Gender : the psychological differentiation describing
masculinity and femininity; largely the result of
learned attitudes and behaviours
Gender identity : the individual’s concept of self as being male or
female; a person’s inner belief or sense of being
a woman or a man
Gender role : the different behaviours and attitudes that society
expects of men and women; behavioural and
personality characteristics associated with being
feminine or masculine; e.g., a female being feminine
by being emotional and playing the role of a home
maker, or a male being masculine by being
independent and ‘playing the role’ of a provider
Heterosexual : a person who is attracted to members of the
opposite sex and who has sexual intercourse with
opposite-sex partners only
Heterosexuality : the condition of being a heterosexual
High-risk behaviour : term used to describe certain activities which
increase the risk of transmitting an STD; includes
frequent change of sex partners, anal and vaginal
intercourse without using a condom, oral-anal
contact, semen or urine in the mouth, sharing
intravenous needles or syringes, intimate blood
contact and sharing of sex toys contaminated by
body fluids; often referred to as ‘unsafe’ activities
Homosexual : a person who is sexually attracted towards
members of the same sex and who has sexual
intercourse with same-sex partners only
Homosexuality : the condition of being homosexual
Incest : sexual intercourse between close relatives, such
as father and daughter, mother and son, or brother
and sister
Lesbian : a female homosexual
Lesbianism : the condition of female homosexuality
Masculine : of or characteristics of male sex or gender 15
Adolescent Sexuality Masturbation : self-stimulation of the genitals through manipulation,
self gratification
Menstruation : the monthly vaginal discharge of blood and the
lining of the uterus
Nocturnal emission : an involuntary male orgasm and ejaculation of
semen during sleep
Oral sex : sexual activity which involves mouth contact with
another person’s genitals or anus; contact may
include kissing, sucking or licking of the sexual
organs.
Ovulation : release of an egg from the ovaries for fertilization
Penis : the male genital organ
Period : common term used for days of menstrual flow
Pornography : the explicit description or exhibition of sexual
activity in literature, photographs, films, etc.
intended to stimulate erotic rather than aesthetic
or emotional feelings
Promiscuous : engaging in sexual intercourse with many persons;
engaging in casual sexual relations
Rape : forced sexual contact with a person
Safe-sex : term used currently to describe sexual activities
most likely to reduce the risk of transmission of
STD; includes always using a condom during sexual
intercourse, mutual masturbation, dry kissing,
massage, fantasy, touching, opposed to unsafe sex
practices
Seduction, to seduce : luring a person into sexual intercourse without use
of force
Semen : a cream-colored viscid fluid composed of
secretions from the male reproductive organs,
ejaculated from the penis of the orgasm; contains
sperm cells and seminal fluid; about a teaspoonful
is usually expelled as a result of ejaculation.
Sex : technically refers to the biological condition of being
male or female; loosely used to refer sexual activity;
genital organs etc.
Sex-drive : Desire for sexual expression
Sex-role stereotype : an overgeneralization concerning expectations
about ‘sex-appropriate’ activities, abilities,
attributes and preferences; dictates what people
should be like based on sex and thus limits and
16
 Sex and Sexuality
channels them into prescribed roles which
consequently affect their sex identities
Sexual activity : a general term for various forms of sexual
expression
Sexual attraction : the act or power of being attracted to a person
on the basis of dress, body language, behaviour,
gender etc.
Sexual intercourse : physical union associated with sexual stimulation;
usually, but not exclusively, involves penetration of
or by the sexual organs; in vaginal intercourse, the
male penis enters the female vagina; in oral
intercourse, the lips, the mouth and tongue are
used; in anal intercourse, the anus is penetrated.
Sexuality : an aspect of the total personality that embodies all
of one’s male and female feelings and behaviours
Sperm : male reproductive cells found in the semen
Transsexual : a person genetically of one sex with a psychological
urge to belong to the opposite sex. This may
cause the person to undergo extended counseling
and surgery to modify the sex organs in order to
mimic opposite sex
Transvestism : to adopt the dress and often the behaviour of the
opposite sex; dressing for pleasure as a person of
the opposite sex; also calledcross dressing
Unsafe sex : sexual practices allow the introduction of infected
body fluids, especially semen, blood and vaginal
secretions, into the body
Virgin : a woman or girl who has never had sexual
intercourse
Wet dream : an involuntary male orgasm and ejaculation of
semen during sleep

1.7 ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

Check Your Progress 1
a) Seduction is luring a person into sexual intercourse by manipulation.
b) Transgender is a person who has characteristics of both transvestite and
transsexual.
c) The state of an individual who engages in both heterosexual and homosexual
relations.
d) Masturbation is self stimulation of the genitals through manipulation for self
gratification. 17
Adolescent Sexuality Check Your Progress 2
a) Adolescents and youth commonly use kissing and masturbation as sexual
expression.
Masturbation is self stimulation of the genitals through manipulation for self
gratification. Kissing is a pleasurable touching of one’s lips against another’s
or other parts of the body.
b) Please refer to section 1.3.3 relating to socio cultural factors that shape
sexuality of an individual. Gender identity and norms are covered under this
subsection.
c) Sexuality encompasses both positive and negative aspects. The positive
aspects include sexuality, intimacy, sexual identity and reproductive and sexual
health. The negative aspect of sexuality is called sexualization. Refer to the
section 1.2 relating to categories under which sexuality has been discussed.
The key elements have been further discussed in detail under these categories.
d) The term ‘sex’ can be used to refer to the biological condition of being male
or female. It can also be used to refer to behaviours or physical acts that
may produce sexual pleasure.
Sexuality is a central aspect of being human throughout life and encompasses
sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy
and reproduction. Sexuality is experienced and expressed in thoughts,
fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviours, practices, roles and
relationships. While sexuality can include all of these dimensions, not all of
them are always experienced or expressed. Sexuality is influenced by the
interaction of biological, psychological, social, economic, political, cultural,
ethical, legal, historical and religious and spiritual factors.
Sex is an integral part of sexuality and sexuality encompasses many more
aspects besides sex.

1.8 REFERENCES
Basics and Beyond – A Manual For Trainers, (Integrating Sexuality, Sexual and
Reproductive Health and Rights), TARSHI (Talking About Reproductive and
Sexual Health Issues), 2006.
Dhun Panthaki, Education in Human Sexuality – A source book for Educators,
Family Planning Association of India and International Planned Parenthood
Federation, 1998.
The red book and the blue book, TARSHI, 2007.
Peer Facilitator Resource Guide (Jaago, Jaano, Jagao on HIV/AIDS Awareness),
Levi Strauss Foundation, Breakthrough and The Naz Foundation India Trust
Training Manual for facilitators on Sexuality and Gender & Young People,
MAMTA-Health Institute for Mother and Child, 2002.

18