| Sexual Issues > Sexuality |
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| Sexuality is an integral part of every person' being throughout their life. It is a fundamental part of who we are as individual people. It can be defined as a sense of sexual selfhood. A person's sexuality is a complex collection of thoughts, feelings, desires and impulses. Often it is discussed purely in terms of sexual desires and sexual practice, however more helpful in understanding sexuality to consider it in its fullest possible sense.
The model below, which was developed by Carol Painter and Jo Adams at the Centre for HIV and Sexual Health, presents a holistic model of sexuality presented as a flower. A living growing organic thing composed of different petals (or strands), which can blossom, if it is taken care of, nourished and supported. On this model each petal represents a different aspect of sexuality. By clicking on each petal you will be able to see how it relates to sexuality. In our work with people, we often see people who are focused on one or two petals on the flower, rather than the whole range of factors. It is helpful if our work spans this range and encourages people to explore and work positively, on all the different petals or factors that make up their sexuality.
a holistic model of sexuality
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These all add up to how we define ourselves as sexual beings Sexuality = sexual selfhood Sexuality involves our relationships with ourselves, those around us and the society in which we live - whether we identify as gay, heterosexual, lesbian, bisexual or celibate |
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