VMBO Year 3 · Reproduction and sexuality · Section 2.7

Sexuality

What is sexuality?

Sexuality includes feelings, thoughts and experiences connected with sexual attraction, arousal and intimacy. It can have different functions: pleasure, feeling close to another person through intimacy, and reproduction. The importance of these aspects differs between people.

Sexual behaviour

Sexual behaviour includes thoughts, feelings and actions connected with sexuality. It can involve a partner, for example kissing or intercourse, or take place alone. Masturbation means stimulating your own body for sexual pleasure. An orgasm is a peak of sexual arousal, often involving rhythmic contractions of pelvic muscles. In males it is commonly accompanied by ejaculation, although these are separate processes.

Sexual orientation and gender

Many people become aware of their sexual orientation during puberty: who they are attracted to. A person may be heterosexual, gay or lesbian, bisexual, or describe their orientation in another way. Some experience little or no sexual attraction.

Gender includes social roles and expectations associated with being a boy, girl, man or woman. Gender identity is a person's own sense of their gender. It is distinct from sexual orientation and from physical sexual characteristics.

Respecting differences

People's attitudes towards sexuality may be influenced by upbringing, culture or religion. Acceptance and freedom differ between communities. Respect for each person's choices and boundaries is essential. Sexual contact must be freely agreed to by everyone involved, and anyone can change their mind.