A sex-positive person knows that sex and sexuality are natural and healthy, that consensual sex is fundamentally a good thing, and that no one should be shamed or stigmatized for their sexual choices. It means being comfortable with your own sexuality and respecting what other people like, even if it’s not what you’re into. And it means you understand your sexual health goes far beyond whether or not you have a disease.
Being sex-positive also means you know your rights and responsibilities when it comes to sex.
You have a right to…
- Choose and express your gender identity, sexual orientation, and preferences.
- Decide what happens to your body.
- Explore and discover what kinds of sex you like.
- Experience pleasure—by yourself or with one or more partner(s).
- Set limits for what you want to do.
- Say “yes” to sex—as many times as you want.
- Say “no” to sex—at any time, for any reason—or to be abstinent.
- Disclose your HIV or STI status without being shamed.
- Ask questions about sex and receive accurate answers.
- Have open, respectful communication with your partner(s) and medical provider(s)
- Access health care and other resources to maintain your sexual health.
- Talk about sexual trauma and heal from it on your own terms.
You have a responsibility to…
- Understand your body and how to take care of it.
- Learn about what makes you feel good.
- Communicate with your partner(s) about your needs, desires, and preferences.
- Know what consent is and what it means to give and get it.
- Make sure your partner gives their consent freely before you have sex.
- Reduce your risk of getting an STI, including HIV, or infecting your partner.
- Reduce your or your partners’ risk of unintended pregnancy.
- Maintain your sexual health and seek appropriate care when necessary.
We created Sexual+Being because we believe educating yourself and taking care of your body is part of sex positivity. Use our resources to explore your sexual being!
References: Elevatus Training, Oregon State University Student Health Services, Everyday Feminism, International Society for Sexual Medicine
How much do you know about Monkeypox?
Monkeypox is a rare, but potentially serious viral illness that can be transmitted from person to person through direct contact with body fluid or monkeypox lesions.
Learn more about Monkeypox in here.
