Recognizing Sex Positivity, A Positive Attitude About Sex And Respecting Other People's Preferences

Illustration of a couple having a discussion (Pexels/Gary Barnes)

JAKARTA – Sex positivity can be interpreted as a way of being positive about sex, both internally and respecting other people's sexual preferences.

Reported by Flo, Monday, August 2, sex positivity is also about feeling comfortable with your own sexual identity. While sex was once considered a taboo subject for thousands of years in many cultures, in recent years people have become more knowledgeable about sex and understand that having sexual desires is a normal part of human life.

As long as both parties agree to sexual activity and enjoy it, positive sex can be interpreted as a consensual activity that is basically healthy and enjoyable.

In daily practice, this positive sex can include the following attitudes:

Be open to discussing your and your partner's sexual preferences and discrepancies. Understanding and being comfortable with reality, for example when your partner doesn't want to have sex when you want to. Get tested for sexually transmitted infections whenever needed. Practice safe sex, use condoms, and take into account readiness for pregnancy. Accepting other people's sexual preferences. Learn more about our own bodies, how they work, how to keep them safe during sex, and initiate mutual sensual pleasures. Find what gives you pleasure and be open to trying new things. Develop communication skills that ensure that you and your partner get what you want out of sex. Advocating for comprehensive sex education so how to have safe sex, the importance of consent or consent, and understanding that having sex is a natural part of life.

The key to sex positivity is sex education. When every individual needs to get a comprehensive sex education and know how to have safe sex, it can be said that they have a positive attitude towards sex.

Providing sex education and reproductive health is also a way to reduce the 'taboo' area of sex. While the opposite of positive is sex negative, there are important things to know about these two perspectives on sex.

In contrast to sex positivity, sex negativity assumes the belief that sex is destructive unless practiced strictly within the boundaries of heterosexual marriage.

Research shows that teens who have discussed sex openly with their parents are more likely to be wise in pursuing an active sex life. That is, knowledge of sex in adolescents can direct what can and cannot be done because of the risks.