Sex & Sexuality

Before one tries to understand the term ‘sex education’, for which base information was given in the previous post, one should have some more clarity between the two terms often used and confused. Yes! SEX & SEXUALITY.

What is ‘sex’ and what is ‘sexuality’? Whether both are same or have different? I have come across scores of people who used to pose this confusion during my deliberations on the subject. I observed lack of distinct clarity on each term. Many are of the opinion that both are the same. In reality it is not so. Only scientific explanation can clear and distinguish both. Sexuality is not ‘sex’ alone. It is something more than that.

Whenever I put the same question, people often relate sex to sexual act and answer accordingly. When I try to give some practical day-to-day instances, they realize their innocence. For instance, we may have to fill up an application form while seeking admissions in schools/institutions or applying for driving license or even for a job. In the application usually basic details about the person seeking the service is asked, such as name, address, age, sex etc. what do we do when we give details under the column ‘sex’. Definitely we will fill it up with the word male or female. Never one attempt to give details on whatever comes to our mind on sex- sexual act/sexual practice etc.

Hence ‘Sex denotes gender – Male or female’. It is the literal meaning given in the dictionaries. Though in common parlance it indirectly denotes it, but in real sense it is not so. That is why a huge cry is being made by some people, especially the so called politicians that sex education should not be introduced in school curriculum. Unfortunately, they fail to understand the basic difference between the two. As we go ahead, we can have clear picture.

Then what is sexuality? We shall look at it a little later.