Sexuality

Journal Rank the following values in order of their importance to you (1 is most important) ____ my health ____ my family’s respect ____ self-respect ____ acceptance by my peers Can you explain how your values affect your decisions about sexual activity? Describe how your actions are or are not consistent with your values.

Sexuality – everything about you that relates to, reflects, or expresses maleness or femaleness. Gender- refers to the way people perceive maleness and femaleness to be defined by our society. Pg. 4

Sexuality Your sexuality influences how you think, how you feel about yourself and others, and how you behave. The way you dress and move, the gestures and facial expressions you use, forms of body language convey sexuality. What you say and how you say it can also reflect your sexuality.

As a teen, you will experience significant changes in your awareness and expression of your sexuality. These are normal developments, but they may cause you to worry about your appearance, your feelings, and your behavior. Learning about your sexuality will help you to deal with these changes in a more confident way.

Factors that Influence Sexuality : Family The media Peers Adult role models Pg. 5

Family Your sexuality develops and changes as you mature, but parents influence a child’s understanding of Gender Roles. Gender Roles: behaviors and attitudes that are socially accepted as either masculine or feminine. Examples of gender roles ? Pg. 5

Media Examples…? Media Messages often contradict family messages. Keep in mind that the media try to entertain or sell things to their customers. They often use themes that appeal to people’s anxieties, concerns, or hopes about their own sexuality. Example: They try to suggest their product will make someone more sexually appealing. Pg. 6

Peers Many teens find it comforting to have a close friend to talk with about their latest crush, or to ask for advice about fashion, hair styles and personal care products. Friends who have healthy attitudes about their own sexuality help to shape positive attitudes about sexuality. Some teens judge their own expressions of sexuality against perceptions of peer “norms” –and may not lead to healthy decisions. ex. Some teens think that most of their peers are sexually active…even though their perception is usually inaccurate, teens may feel pressure to become active themselves before they are ready… Pg. 7

Adult Role Models When you require reliable info about gender and sexuality, to whom do you turn? Parents Other family members Teachers Health care professionals Clergy Members Or other responsible adults Even among well-informed adults, however, opinions about certain aspects of sexuality may vary greatly and it is up to you to sort through the info you receive to act responsibly. Pg. 7

What is LGBT? LGBT is short for LGBTQQIAPA which stands for: Lesbian Questioning Gay Intersex Bisexual Asexual Trans Pansexual Queer Allies

Why is this important to know? 4-10% Lesbian, Gay, or Bisexual (LGB) 40-100 4-10% have LGB siblings 40-100 1-2% have and LGB parent 20-40 Total Affected= 120-290 In a class of 30= 4-9 students This is ALL ages, not just teens and adults!

Really understanding... Gender Gender Identity: who you know you are in your mind

Gender Gender Expression: How you express or present yourself to the world Can be purposeful or accidental Can vary day to day and situation to situation

Gender Cis, or cisgender: are individuals who are not transgender Their gender aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth “Cis” is used to get away from heteronormativity This is the idea that it is “normal” for gender and sex align and for men and women to be in a relationship, and that something different is “other” or “weird”.

Gender Trans* is an umbrella term for the transgender category Anyone who crosses over or challenges their society’s gender roles or expressions can fall under this umbrella

Gender Queer (I thought that was a slur…) People who feel they do not fit into societal norms might identify as queer. Gender fluid or non-conforming Questioning LGBT individuals Meant to be broad and non-specific Can relate to sexuality or gender **There is a generational component; as with everything, let people self-identify as queer first

Gender Intersex Refers to people born with sexual differences that classify them as being between genders Not all intersex people identify as being LGBT and no two intersex people are alike Can include excess facial/body hair, hormone imbalances, anatomy that does not fall within traditional male/female definitions Not all intersex people know they are intersex due to the vast range of intersex characteristics

Pronouns Everyone has a pronoun they identify with; you would not want to be called “he” if you identify as “she”; that goes for everyone (not ‘preferred’) You don’t have to agree with or understand their identity to respect their wish to be called by a particular pronoun (“His mother named him Tom, he’s a boy!”) Most common pronouns: Female: she, her, hers Male: he, him, his Other/Neutral: they, them, theirs

Expressing Sexuality Expressed in many things you do because it is part of your personality. Often two people in a relationship have different ideas about how they want to express their sexuality in a physical sense. They may disagree about how intimate they want to become. They may feel different ways at different times. Whatever your feelings, you never owe anyone a more intimate sexual expression than you are comfortable with. You also should not pressure others to go further in expressing their sexuality than is comfortable for them! Pg. 8

Sexual Awakening an increased awareness of, and sexual attraction to, other people. Many of the concerns about body image and emotions that teenagers experience are related to this aspect of puberty. Pg. 13

Sexual Orientation As people mature sexually, they begin to establish their sexual orientation, or sexual preference. In other words… to whom you are romantically and physically attracted. Pg. 13

Really Understanding… Sexual Orientation Heterosexual: men who are attracted to women or women who are attracted to men Lesbian: women who are attracted to other women Gay: men who are attracted to other men

Really Understanding… Sexual Orientation Bisexual: Being attracted to two genders Being attracted to the binary genders: men and women Bisexuality is NOT a “phase” Bisexual individuals are not using the label as a “transition” to coming out as gay/lesbian

Really Understanding… Sexual Orientation Pansexual: A person who is attracted to any or all gender identities and expressions Can be described as, “not being inhibited in sexual choice in regard to gender”. “Hearts not parts” Note: No, they are not sexually attracted to cookware. This ‘pan’ is a Latin prefix meaning ‘all’.

Really Understanding… Sexual Orientation Asexual: NO presence of sexual attraction—to anyone Absence of interest in sexual activity Lack of sexual orientation Celibacy ≠ Asexuality. Celibacy (not engaging in sexual activity) is a choice. Asexuality is an orientation. There is nothing medically, psychologically, etc... “wrong” with asexual individuals.

Sexual Behavior & Romance Sexual Attraction: whom you would like to be in a relationship with sexually Romantic/Emotional Attraction: whom you want to be in a relationship with emotionally and/or romantically

Sexual Identity Sexual Identity How a person names themselves in regard to their own sexual orientation Sexual Identity

Values The standards and beliefs that you consider important and that help you decide what is right and wrong. You have learned these values from your parents/guardians, other adults, religion, culture and certain life experiences. Whatever your values, they act as guidelines for your decisions now and in the future. Pg. 14

Appreciating Differences Respecting each person’s right to be what they are. Trying to see things from other people’s points of view can strengthen your own self-concept. Pg. 16

How to respect differences Don’t use words, such as… Tranny, Transgendered, A transgender Don’t say: Who is the guy/girl? Never use “Homosexual” has a negative connotation Don’t say... “that’s gay” Don’t ask about sexual organs The reality: Homo-, bi- and transphobia exist, while heterosexism is the norm. However, acceptance of everyone’s differences (even if you don’t understand) can create a society where everyone is appreciated for who they are!

Sexuality Survey Answer the questions on the Kahoot! Survey based on YOUR opinion, beliefs and values. After each question, if you feel comfortable, please share your thoughts about your answer to the class. Kahoot! Sexuality Survey

Journal Read the story “And he learned” and then answer the following journal questions… What are your thoughts or your reaction after reading this story? How does this story relate to our previous discussions about societal gender roles? What is your answer to the question: “are we learning?” (when it comes to this topic?)

IS NOT RISK FREE!!! Sexual Intimacy Risks include… the effects on your emotional health the effects on your relationship the risk of pregnancy the risk of sexually transmitted infections. Pg. 44

Emotional Intimacy Refers to the openness, sharing, affection, and trust that can develop in a close relationship. A couple can have a close relationship without being sexually intimate. But it is hard for them to keep a relationship close if there is no emotional intimacy. Pg. 46

Abstinence Act of refraining from, or not having sex. Skills to learn to help you choose abstinence when you are faced with the pressure to become more physically intimate: Set clear limits Communicating your limits Avoiding high-pressure situations Asserting yourself Pg. 44 &76

Teens choose Abstinence for a number of reasons… They think sexual intimacy should be reserved for a long-term committed relationship, such as marriage. They do not feel ready to take on the added responsibilities that come with a sexually intimate relationship. They want to keep their focus on achieving current goals such as athletics or getting into college. They want to be certain to avoid pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Pg. 44 &76

Sexual Harassment Uninvited and unwelcome sexual remark or sexual advance. Examples: comments about a body part, unwanted touch, spreading rumors about someone’s sexual behavior, telling crude jokes. Pg. 53

Schools & What you can do… Sexual harassment in schools is illegal ! What you can do: Speak up assertively when you feel disrespected Use your refusal skills to reject unwanted sexual advances Avoid having to be alone with someone you don't trust Report behavior that you think is sexual harassment to an adult. Pg. 53

Contraception The use of an appropriate method to intentionally prevent pregnancy. There is a wide array of different contraceptives methods and couples who wish to be sexually active, but do not wish to have a child, must decide on a method that is right for them… Pg. 77

What factors to consider… Can the method be purchased over the counter or is a prescription required? How much planning and preparation is needed? Does the product have health risks or side effects? Does the method protect against STIs, including HIV? If so, which STIs does it protect against? How effective is the method at preventing pregnancy? Pg. 77

Effectiveness The likelihood that using the method will prevent pregnancy. Often measured by its Failure Rate = percentage of pregnancies that result in one year in a group of people who use that method. The lower the failure rate, the higher the effectiveness. Pg. 77

Accurate Information ? Parent Trusted Adult Doctors Healthcare professionals Counselors Family planning clinics Pg. 77

Barrier Methods Prevent the sperm from reaching the egg Pg. 78-79

Pg. 78-79 Male and Female Condoms - OTC - Can help prevent pregnancy and most STIs. If used correctly and consistently Diaphragm, Cervical Cap, & Shields -Prescription – cover the cervix and block sperm from entering the uterus. -Helps prevent pregnancies -Does not protect against STIs -Preparation and time restrictions before and after sexual intercourse Sponge - OTC & contains spermicide - Preparation and time constraints before and after sexual intercourse - Helps prevent pregnancies, but does not protect against STIs Spermicides - Foams, jellies, and creams - Time constraints and does not protect against STIs Pg. 78-79

Latex Allergy Some people are allergic to latex and would experience burning, itching, or swelling in the penile or vaginal areas after using a latex condom. Polyurethane condoms or animal skin condoms are available similar pregnancy protection except animal skin condoms do not prevent adequate protection against STIs and HIV. Pg. 78-79

Hormonal Methods Work by preventing ovulation or inhibiting fertilization. Pg. 80

Hormonal methods also DO NOT protect against STIs. Currently all hormonal methods are for females and require a prescription. All are more effective than barrier methods, but users are more likely to experience side effects. Hormonal methods also DO NOT protect against STIs. Oral Contraceptives “The Pill” Patches Rings Injections Pg. 80

How do contraceptives work? Ted Ed video: How contraceptive methods work

Permanent Methods Sterilization: use of surgery or other procedures to make a person incapable of reproduction. Only appropriate for people who are sure that they either do not want children or do not want more children. Does not protect against STIs. Pg. 81

Vasectomy - male vas deferens severed – no sperm is present in ejaculation Tubal Ligation – most common for females, fallopian tubes are cut or closed - – still have menstrual cycle Sterilization Implant – female- coiled implant inserted into fallopian tube to block – still have menstrual cycle Pg. 81

Unreliable vs Effective Methods Read Pages 82-84 Create a colorful Bar Graph that includes… Title : Unreliable vs. Effective Contraceptive Methods Y axis = Effectiveness Rate and X axis = Contraceptive Methods 13 contraceptive methods are labeled & in order by effectiveness % for each method are labeled on each column Example will be shown to class. Pg. 82-84

Journal Read the article “A Snapshot of Teen Sex” and then answer the following journal questions… What do you notice about relationships in our high school? Do you think ST I’s are prevalent? Why or why not? Explain why you feel most teens choose to be abstinent, have protected sex or unprotected sex.