Sex, Sexuality, Sexual Health, and Cultural Diversity (World Sexual Health Day)

**Trigger warning: This topic includes subject matter on sex and sexual health. Please take care in deciding whether you would like to continue reading**

One thing that is evident when we talk about sexual health is that there are a diversity of social circumstances and factors that contribute to when we talk about sexual health and how we talk about sexual health. Though World Sexual Health Day celebrates our sexual rights as human rights, and promotes awareness of them, there must still be consideration of all of the situational aspects of dialogue on sexual health.

On that note, one thing that is really important to remember when were talking about sexual rights is that sexual health also include the right to privacy when talking about sex and sexuality, the right to refrain from sexual activity and anything involved in that, as well as the respect of others views and behaviours in terms of sex and sexuality.

Promoting sexual rights is important, however it is absolutely necessary to ensure that in promoting these sexual rights, which are human rights, we also keep in mind freedom of religion, cultural practice, and adherence to societal norms. It is considered disrespectful and even taboo for certain peoples to talk about sex and sexual health. In some cultures, certain aspects of sexuality are prohibited. These cultural and situational factors contribute to beliefs that can inhibit the sexual rights of others, however, shaming someone for not being open to dialogue on sex can also be an infringement of these rights.

Sex can be considered a very controversial topic, so when we talk about sex and sexuality, awareness of the scope of these sexual rights is key. Understanding sex and sexual rights as inclusive and non-discriminatory allows for a global evolution of acceptance towards sex and sexuality. Ultimately, it is a matter of respecting each others sexual rights, the same way that we respect other human rights. It is not about enforcing views of sex or sexuality on others, it is about giving each other the freedom to exercise their sexual rights, whatever that may entail. We all have that responsibility.

All my love,

Lee.