It may be the 21st century, but we still live in a culture where sex-shaming is far too prevalent. In order to combat sex-shaming, more people need to shift their focus and open up to sex positivity.
What does that mean?
Sex positivity, at its core, is the idea that sex can and should be positive in everyone’s lives. Going further than that, it is also the belief that everyone should be able to explore their own sexuality without feeling guilty, judged, or shamed.
Sex negativity runs rampant in our society. So many people associate sex with something dirty, dangerous, or even risky. As a result, becoming sex positive requires patience, understanding, and a desire to truly educate yourself.
With that in mind, let’s look at how you can become more sex positive, and why it’s important.
Learn About Other People’s Experiences
Education is one of the most important aspects of being more sex positive. That requires learning about other people’s sexual experiences, aside from your own. That includes people who don’t share the same opinions on sex as you.
Being more aware of how other people express their sexuality and what it means to them can help to open your eyes. The people you know and love in your own life might have completely different sexual experiences. It doesn’t change who they are or how you should view them. Rather, it can make you more aware of how unique sexual culture can be.
Don’t Put Down Someone’s Desires
One of the beautiful things about sex positivity is it’s just that: positive. If someone trusts you enough to talk about the things that they’re into or what their sexual desires are, don’t make them feel ashamed or as though their desires are “disgusting.”
We all enjoy different things. You may not be into what they like, and that’s okay. What isn’t okay is treating someone else’s preferences as though they are invalid or “less than” your own.
Be More Body Positive
Obviously, bodies and sex go hand-in-hand. In order to see sexuality in a more positive light, you need to start by seeing your body (and others) in that same light. If you’ve struggled with image issues, it could be why you’re holding yourself back from sex positivity.
The more you accept your body and recognizing that it’s beautiful, no matter what, you might feel freer with your sex life, and willing to open up to new experiences.
Advocate for Sex Education
The only real way sex positivity will start to grow is if it’s taught to future generations. Sex education is crucial for teens and young adults. Unfortunately, far too many youths go without learning about sex and everything it entails. That leaves a lot of stereotypes and misinformation to fill in those gaps.
As that cycle continues, sex negativity will continue to dominate. Or it could be taken over by confusion, which is even worse. When a young person knows nothing about sex and starts becoming sexually active, it can lead to everything from STDs to unwanted pregnancies. When they don’t know about things like consent, this mindset could create even bigger issues.
It’s okay for everyone to view sex differently. Again, what appeals to you might not appeal to someone else, and vice versa. There is no shame in that! The sooner we eliminate shame from sex culture, the sooner we can see it positively. As a result, the culture will be safer, more aware, and more people can enjoy a healthy, positive sex life.
If you want to know more about sex positivity and how to achieve it, feel free to contact Integrative Psychotherapy Group.
