Introduction
It is important to appreciate the notion that sex is a fundamental need as defined by Maslow's theory, and procreation is possible through the concept. However, diversity in sexual behavior is a universal aspect as indicated in different societies due to cultural variability and social learning (Wieringa, 2015). The purpose of the above study is to appreciate the variability in sexual behavior and the different health impacts associated with the same. Sexual diversity as a concept implies that different people have a varied understanding of their sexual lives based on their sexual orientation. However, one fact appreciated by the current generation is that sexual diversity is more visible today than in the past as different societies are now tolerating the behavior. With more development, especially in the developed countries, people are becoming more enlightened and accepting the fact that people are different in the society and should be accepted irrespective of their behavior.
Main Body
Apparently, everyone belongs to an explicit sexuality as dictated by nature and sexual diversity, and can occur as heterosexual, bisexual, lesbians, gay, queer and asexual. However, scholars have argued on the concept that people who lack sexual attraction should not be regarded to have any aspects of sexuality whatsoever. Sexual identities such as the gender, race, ethnic group or ability influence sexuality in the society. These identities contribute to diversity in the sexual behaviors of people in various communities. Therefore, it is worth appreciating that sexuality as a term has different meaning based on the contextual use of the expression. The various identities of sexuality in a person dictate the nature of the behavior of an individual, which is either internal or external. Sexual behavior practiced by people in the society may at times lead to discrimination or exclusion for example for the homosexuals (Kong Pheng et al., 2015).
Asexuality is the act in which a person experiences no sexual attraction, meaning that this person is satisfied with the life as it is without having sexual involvement with another person. Different regions and people interpret bisexuality differently, and the definition is based on concepts such as behavior, attractions or identity. A person may be called a bisexual if they have had sexual experience or attractions to another person of more than one sex. Most, if not all societies, consider heterosexuality normal, as it is a sexual attraction between people of opposite gender. A good example is a couple, with the aim of raising a family or just for pleasure. However, most societies are against homosexuality, as it is a sexual orientation in which a person gets attracted to another person of his/her gender, such as gays and lesbians.
Various researchers have shown their concerns about the different aspects that influence sexual orientation. Some feel that biology plays a part while others think otherwise stating that it is the environment. However, most scholars have reached a common understanding that both issues influence sexual orientation to a great extent. Furthermore, researchers assert that a person's sexual orientation cannot be changed by others whatsoever. Sexual behavior of an individual in the community is an aspect that can be dictated by the sexual orientation of a person as the populace can decide on how to behave. Some of the factors that can influence the sexual behavior of a person include religion, social groups, and culture, among other issues to avoid exclusion or discrimination. For example, in a society where morality is upheld, it is usual for lesbians or gay individuals to involve themselves in heterosexual relations so as to avoid aspects of discrimination or exclusion by the community (Renn et al., 2015).
However, the concept means differently as it implies embracing sexuality as an important aspect and part of life. Scholars have asserted that being sexually positive means that people maintain a positive attitude towards sex and get enlightened on the same while at the same time practicing safe sex. Some researchers indicate that there are many benefits achieved by participating in sex such as reducing stress and anxiety other than the procreation benefits (Wieringa, 2015).
However, in the current global setting, the term has embraced sexual diversity, and most women in the society are fighting to break the social norms of the society that bar them from practicing explicit sex. The concept enlightens people that the society should remove the traditional barriers to sex life and let people express their sexual orientation to the ones that they feel attracted to without fear of any harsh restrictions whatsoever. It is evident, therefore that the concept gives people freedom of having sex with partners of their choice without any form of discrimination (Kong Pheng et al., 2015).
It is worth appreciating that women in our societies are the primary victims of discrimination due to the expression of their sex orientation, subjecting them to different cultural, religious, or even political restrictions by the society. The modern society is encouraging positive sex so that people should make their decisions on the subject without any form of discrimination as evidenced by the recent moves such as slut-walks and numerous protest efforts around the globe with the rationale for bringing shaming and raping culture to an end. Another example of steps towards embracing sexuality as part of life is the powerful sex-positive movement across the globe with a message that the choices made regarding sex matters with personal preference (Jolly, 2016).
Despite the fact that the American society lives in the 21st century, aspects of discrimination and stigmatization to groups of people like gays and lesbians is a common trend that affects the well-being of such people. There are many negative beliefs about such marginalized groups in the country, an aspect that impairs their physical and mental health. It is for this reasons that the society should seek to improve the health setting of the homosexuals, bisexuals, and lesbians in different places where they are found such as schools and workplaces.
Society has an adverse attitude to people who involve themselves in gay, lesbianism, or even bisexuals as aforementioned and such actions have adverse effects on the group. Some of the challenges experienced by the marginalized groups include rejection by friends or family members, subject to discrimination acts, and laws with strict restrictions on such behavior. In some areas, lesbians and gays are limited to accessing quality health care due to their sex orientation, which is avoided in the modern societies. Such acts of discrimination make people have a poor mental health, leading to substance abuse or involvement in risky sexual behavior. The harsh treatment of the community makes it difficult for the individuals to maintain same-sex relations, exposing the group to more risks of contracting diseases. Such barriers experienced in different societies make it hard for people to open up on issues regarding their sexual orientation, a feature that increases stress and is dangerous for their health.
Some of the challenges as mentioned earlier include homophobia, stigma, and discrimination, which are directed to the people who involve themselves in sexual diversity. The negative attitudes as a result of different barriers subjected by society increase the chances of people in such groups to experience violence. According to recent studies conducted on LGBT around the world, it is evident that 40% of the people involving themselves in sexual diversity, especially the youths, are rendered homeless due to rejection by their family members (U.S. Department of Health, n.d.)
LGBT individuals receive different challenges and barriers across the world from access to healthcare to workplace discrimination, violence, and stigmatization. Therefore, different community subject people to discriminations due to their sexual orientation, an aspect that has adversely affected the groups' health. However, there have been changes in recent past concerning legal and policy frameworks put in place in different countries to help protect the rights of people engaging in diverse sexual behaviors. An example in place is the U.S policy to enable the LGBT group to access health through its Affordable Care Act and other policy issues such as DOMA that allowed same-sex marriages (Williams et al., 2015). However, although there are efforts to enhance positive sexuality in different societies, it is important to appreciate that in some countries, the move is not encouraged for example in Uganda and Malawi where LGBT individuals are even killed because of their sexual orientation.
Conclusion
Sexual orientation is part of our daily lives, and it implies an individual's sexual attraction in meeting satisfaction and pleasure. People engage in various sexual behaviors, which are influenced by both biology and environmental aspects to a great extent, although the same can be influenced by social norms, religion, and culture. However, positive sex as defined in the study implies embracing sexuality as part of life, an indication that people should develop a positive attitude towards sex and break the negative attitude associated with the concept of societies. Moreover, it is evident that there are many barriers towards positive sex in different communities particularly on the LGBT groups in various parts of the world. However, various governments through enacting of various policy tools such as the U.S have helped in challenging the numerous traditional barriers associated with sex diversity. In conclusion, sex has different health benefits to people and in the current global setting, it is imperative that societies should move away from their negative perception towards sexual diversity and enact effective policy issues to help protect the marginalized groups like the LGBT.
References
Jolly, S. (2015). Positive approaches to sexuality and new normative frames: Strands of research and action in china and the USA. Sex Education, 16(3), 294–307.
Kong Pheng, P., Schein, L., & Pao Lee, V. (2015). Hmong Sexual Diversity: Beginning the Conversation. Hmong Studies Journal 16, 161-18.
Renn, K. A., Stewart, D.-L., & Brazelton, B. G. (Eds.). (2015). Gender and sexual diversity in U.S. Higher education: Contexts and opportunities for LGBTQ college students: Number 152: New directions for student services. United States: John Wiley & Sons.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: Stigma and Discrimination, Gay and Bisexual Men's Health. Retrieved on 15th March 15, 2016, from http://www.cdc.gov/msmhealth/stigma-and-discrimination.htm
Wieringa, S. (2015). Book review: Sexual diversity in Asia, c. 600–1950, edited by Reyes, Raquel A.G. And william G. Clarence-Smith. Bijdragen tot de taal-, land- en volkenkunde / Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences of Southeast Asia, 171(2-3), 396–398.
Williams, D. J., Thomas, J. N., & Prior, E. E. (2015). Moving full-speed ahead in the wrong direction? A critical examination of US sex-offender policy from a positive sexuality model. Critical Criminology, 23(3), 277–294.
