Positive Sexuality

Sexual well-being covers much more more than birth control and infection screening. It actively acknowledges the need for the inclusion of consent, comfort, and pleasure. Like most things in our life time, sexuality will change over time and our needs will as well.

People who practice and experience positive sexuality:

Appreciate and respect their sexuality and that of others

  • appreciate their own bodies and those of their partners (if they choose to have partnered sex)
  • enjoy sexual feelings without necessarily acting upon them
  • strive to understand the complexities of sexual and gender identities, orientations, and expressions
  • identify and understand their values as they evolve
  • decide what values fit for themselves and use these values in action
  • demonstrate acceptance for people with differing identities, values and experiences
  • understand the impact of culture, societal and media messages on thoughts, feelings, values, and behaviours related to sexuality
  • respect the rights of people to engage in and enjoy a full range of safe, consensual, non exploitative and pleasurable sexual behaviours

Communicate effectively in relationships

  • interact with others in appropriate and respectful ways
  • work together for equality in relationships
  • communicate with partners about sexual activity continuously
  • negotiate boundaries
  • discuss physical and emotional results (positive and negative) of sexual activity, safer sex methods, contraception (if desired and/or applicable), and meaning in the relationship(s)
  • practice and uphold intentional and meaningful consent in all partnered sexual activities
  • have opportunities to communicate desire not to have sex and have that accepted
  • are able to accept boundary setting and refusals to sex

Learn about sexual health

  • understand the benefits and risks of sexual activity
  • ask questions about sexual issues
  • seek further information about sexuality as needed
  • are aware of sexual health resources in their communities (like our ISHS clinics and programs!)

Take responsibility for sex safety and health

  • take responsibility for their own behavior and actions
  • take responsibility for their own bodies and experiences
  • communicate effectively with family, friends and health care professionals
  • practice health-promoting behaviors such as:
    •  regular check-ups,
    •  breast and/or testicular self awareness
    • if having  partnered sex:
      •  practicing safer sex to limit transmitting and/or contracting or transmitting a sexually transmitted infection
      •  practicing steps to limit unintentional pregnancies (if applicable)
      • sexually transmitted infection screening

Adapted from Canadian Sex Research Forum which was originally sourced from Hadsall and Associates.

Print Resources:

Check out our adult reading list  and youth reading list! They have a great variety of books on sexual health, sexuality, enhancing sexual experiences and sexual health. ISHS encourages you to carefully conser our suggestions as only you know what is most appropriate for your situation.

Most of the resources listed are available through your local book sellers or online.