Sexuality and sexual expression are human rights. The words sexuality and sex are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same.
Sexuality is far more complex. By definition, sexuality is the capacity for sexual feelings and attractions to other people. It is diverse and, at the same time, very personal. Whereas, the term sex is both an action and a description. It may refer either to the act of sexual intercourse or a person’s chromosomal makeup.
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There are many ways to express ourselves sexually, but society ‘normalises’ some expressions of sexuality and sees other expressions of sexuality as being ‘abnormal’. Some people choose to use labels to identify their sexuality; workers should understand that a person does not need to choose a label if they don’t want to.
Heterosexuality dominates our society and in some parts of society, there is prejudice towards same-sex-attracted people. Heterosexual means being attracted to people of the opposite sex or gender, whereas homosexual means being attracted to people of the same sex or gender.
Many same-sex-attracted, or homosexual people, feel pressured to hide their sexual identity from their family and friends, which can be damaging to their mental health.
Sexuality also includes the way people express or present their gender. A person’s gender identity may be an identity other than male or female. Terms commonly used to describe a person’s gender identity include transgender, gender diverse, gender queer and gender neutral.
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Select the items on the image to reveal more information on different terms people may use to express their sexuality.
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It does not matter what sex a person was assigned at birth or
whether the person has undergone any medical intervention, their identity is
formed by how they perceive themselves.
Intersex status refers to people who have physical, hormonal or genetic features that are:
- neither wholly female nor wholly male
- a combination of female and male
- neither female nor male.
Being intersex is about having biological variations, not about gender identity. An intersex person may have the biological attributes of both sexes or lack some of the biological attributes considered necessary to be defined as one sex or the other.
Read to learn more
Learn more about Sexual
health definitions and issues by visiting the World Health Organization's (WHO)
website.
Case study
This case study explores finding appropriate options for care, based on the older person's individuality.
John is a 78-year-old gay man, who is single and lives alone. He does not have any children or family around him. John is having respite in a residential aged care facility while he recovers from an operation. His support worker, Rita, asks John about how he is feeling, he tells her that he feels isolated and alone because he can’t go out to see his friends, and they haven’t been to visit him. He is also unsure about whether he is going home, as his doctor suggested that when he is well enough, he should move into permanent residential care rather than move back home.
Rita understands that older LGBTQIA+ individuals are more likely to experience greater isolation, loneliness, and lack of traditional family support.
She suggests they could look for information about LGBTQIA+ inclusive home care packages. They read about how older people with diverse sexual orientation and gender identity, including LGBTQIA+, can find a suitable provider.
Reflect
How can workers ensure sensitivity to the sexual preferences and identities of individuals in their care, to reduce feelings of isolation and improve their overall wellbeing?
Reflect on the specific needs of LGBTQIA+ older adults in residential care settings and in home care settings.
Record your thoughts in your notebook or digital device.
Read to learn more
Read Support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex
people to learn more about services that cater for LGBTQIA+ people living in aged care.
Expressions of sexuality
People express their sexuality in different ways. When people are restricted from being able to
express their sexuality, their health and wellbeing can be negatively affected. Here are some ways
people express sexuality.
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Select the items on the image to reveal more information about physical touch and expressions of sexuality.
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Important
People with cognitive impairments or intellectual disabilities are particularly vulnerable and can be emotionally and physically hurt or abused. This creates an ethical dilemma for workers. People with disabilities have a right to sexual autonomy, to decide who they will and will not have sex with. Yet they may not have the capacity to make informed decisions. A support worker can help by ensuring the person has access to information and understands sexual health. A worker may also be able to help people understand why people choose to have sex, so they can make an informed decision.
Sexual tolerance
Expressions of identity and sexuality can be made difficult due to a lack of understanding due to their age or disability, the impact of medication, community stereotypes, attitudes to contraception or reproduction and other factors.
To support people to overcome barriers and express their sexuality, you must recognise and overcome your own prejudices and preconceptions about sex and sexuality. You need to acknowledge unmet needs and develop strategies to support the person to address them wherever possible.
Our ideas about normal sexuality are shaped by our upbringing, our family, the people we associate with, wider society, and our religious or spiritual beliefs. The first step in providing support without bias is to recognise your own views and values. It is not your role to give advice or tell people what is normal. Rather, you should acknowledge that there are many different views about sex and sexuality.
People need to have time and space to express themselves sexually. Workers must always be mindful of this when approaching bedrooms, and they must never judge or show shock or repulsion when people speak about their sexuality or if they are seen in an intimate situation.
The following statements are examples of different views about sexuality. Each statement is a reminder that decisions about sex and sexuality are personal.
- Only married people should have sex.
- Only people in monogamous relationships should have sex.
- Sex is only for the purposes of producing children.
- Sex is for fun.
- Sex should only occur between a man and woman.
- Anyone can have sex with anyone else, provided that all parties consent.