Sexual Health and Sex-Positivity: The Importance of Open Communication

Gaylaxy

3 years ago

Defining Sex-Positivity

Sex is something that many people find pretty awkward to talk about. Stigmas, judgment and shame have been long associated with the topic and moreover, Abstinence only education programs tend to be sex-negative and often lean anti-LGBTQ+. Many of us were told from a young age that sex was equated to your worth as a person, a regressive and frankly offensive idea. The Sex-Positivity movement seeks to discuss the topics of human sexuality, health, and pleasure with respect and without shame or stigma.

Sex should be enjoyable, and the feelings of guilt and shame that often surround it are seriously detrimental to not just intimacy, but mental-health as a whole. After all, sexual health is a core component of mental health.

If you’re looking to have a more comfortable, pleasurable and fulfilling sex life, developing a sex-positive attitude can be a powerful tool to increase confidence and make talking about sex a little easier.

Intimacy and Open Communication

While talking about sex can be awkward in general, talking to your partner about concerns in the bedroom can be especially difficult. The Sex-Positivity movement emphasizes open communication as a key part of intimacy, and a healthy relationship requires the ability and willingness to talk about your needs, desires and concerns.

Sex should be enjoyable, and the feelings of guilt and shame that often surround it are seriously detrimental to not just intimacy, but mental-health as a whole.

This doesn’t mean sitting around talking about your relationship all the time, it does mean that you need to be able to talk about the things that really matter. You shouldn’t fear expressing your honest thoughts and feelings, and your partner should feel comfortable doing the same.

Not all communication is verbal, so it’s important to pay attention to the other nonverbal cues your partner may be sending. Gestures, facial expressions and body language are all important parts of communication. For instance, if your partner is usually very physically affectionate and you notice a change, it’s something that’s worth bringing up. If you want your partner to feel safe and comfortable discussing intimacy, then it’s important to show them that you care about their concerns.

There are many things about sex that can be uncomfortable to talk about. One of these is performance-anxiety, a very common problem, and open communication can help to alleviate these concerns. Sometimes the problem isn’t psychological but instead physical. In that case there are medications that can treat the issue very effectively. These days it’s easier than ever, with discreet online services that can provide virtual consultation and prescribe medication for erectile dysfunction without the awkward doctor’s visits.

What It Means for You

While sex-positivty is beneficial for everyone, it can be especially valuable for those of us who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Many harmful stereotypes reduce those in the LBGTQ+ community to who they may or may not be having sex with. These unfair biases and stereotypes are the kind of thing the sex-positivity movement aims to break down. Your sexuality is something you should be able to feel proud of.

When it comes to sex and intimacy it’s ultimately nobody’s business but your own; how much you choose to share and with whom is up to you. Our bodies belong only to us. That said, if you do have someone in your life that you feel safe with and you want to broach these subjects, a sex-positive attitude can help you feel a little more prepared and confident. Open communication is key to having a healthy relationship, and when you find the strength to share your thoughts and feelings with someone you care about, it’s incredibly fulfilling. Embracing a sex-positive attitude can lead to a healthier happier you.

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