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Welcome to the human sexuality portal
Human sexuality is the way people experience and express themselves sexually. This involves biological, psychological, physical, erotic, emotional, social, or spiritual feelings and behaviors. Because it is a broad term, which has varied with historical contexts over time, it lacks a precise definition. The biological and physical aspects of sexuality largely concern the human reproductive functions, including the human sexual response cycle.
Someone's sexual orientation is their pattern of sexual interest in the opposite and/or same sex. Physical and emotional aspects of sexuality include bonds between individuals that are expressed through profound feelings or physical manifestations of love, trust, and care. Social aspects deal with the effects of human society on one's sexuality, while spirituality concerns an individual's spiritual connection with others. Sexuality also affects and is affected by cultural, political, legal, philosophical, moral, ethical, and religious aspects of life.
Interest in sexual activity normally increases when an individual reaches puberty. Although no single theory on the cause of sexual orientation has yet gained widespread support, there is considerably more evidence supporting nonsocial causes of sexual orientation than social ones, especially for males. Hypothesized social causes are supported by only weak evidence, distorted by numerous confounding factors. This is further supported by cross-cultural evidence, because cultures that are tolerant of homosexuality do not have significantly higher rates of it.
Evolutionary perspectives on human coupling, reproduction and reproduction strategies, and social learning theory provide further views of sexuality. Sociocultural aspects of sexuality include historical developments and religious beliefs. Some cultures have been described as sexually repressive. The study of sexuality also includes human identity within social groups, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and birth control methods. (Full article...)
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Along with bisexuality and heterosexuality, homosexuality is one of the three main categories of sexual orientation within the heterosexual–homosexual continuum. There is no consensus among scientists about why a person develops a particular sexual orientation; however, biologically-based theories for the cause of sexual orientation are favored by experts, which point to genetic factors, the early uterine environment, or both in combination. There is no substantive evidence which suggests parenting or early childhood experiences play a role when it comes to sexual orientation; when it comes to same-sex sexual behavior, shared or familial environment plays no role for men and minor role for women. While some hold the view that homosexual activity is unnatural, research has shown that homosexuality is an example of a normal and natural variation in human sexuality and is not in and of itself a source of negative psychological effects. Most people experience little or no sense of choice about their sexual orientation. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of psychological interventions to change sexual orientation. (Full article...)
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Did you know
- ... that New York City authorities asked the Museum of Sex (pictured) not to locate itself within 500 feet of a church or school?
- ... that the nature of the female orgasm is a field of research for academics studying female sexuality?
- ... that the term Cicisbei refers to legal and generally respected companions and often lovers of married women in eighteenth-century Italy? (1790 etching pictured)
- ... that a Mercedes roadster was colloquially named after a wealthy German call girl, Rosemarie Nitribitt (grave pictured), who was murdered in Frankfurt in 1957?
- ... that the scandalous tales of Aristides of Miletus are still being discussed after over two millennia, although not one word of them has survived?
January-June 2006
Human sexuality in the news
- 27 March 2024 – Recognition of same-sex unions in Thailand
- The Thai House of Representatives approves a bill to legalize same-sex marriage by a vote of 400–10, with five abstentions. (AP via MSN News)
- 12 March 2024 –
- A Romanian court rules that social media influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan Tate can be extradited to the United Kingdom to face charges of sexual aggression. (BBC News)
- 28 February 2024 – LGBT rights in Ghana
- The Parliament of Ghana passes a bill making the promotion or advocacy of LGBT rights punishable by five years in prison. (Reuters)
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