Sexuality

Sexuality can give both physical and emotional pleasure and happiness; it can make us feel good and help us to build up relationships. It affects our thoughts and emotions and how we view each other and the world around us.

Sexuality is sometimes used to categorise people on the basis of which people they are attracted to. Most people perceive falling in love or being sexually attracted to other people as something positive. Sometimes social norms and expectations make it difficult to express your sexuality and to be the person you are or the person you want to be.

Norms

Norms are the unwritten rules that decide what is regarded as positive, desirable and "normal". What norms apply is something that varies depending on time, place and context. Sometimes norms coincide with formal laws, but not necessarily.

People who live, or are perceived as living, in accordance with prevailing norms are given various advantages and are rewarded, while those who do not do so are regarded as abnormal, and they may be discriminated against or punished.

One example is heteronormativity which is the social norm based on the notion that everyone is heterosexual. This norm determines how men and women should be. According to heteronormativity, it is only possible for people to be either men or women, and men and women are expected to be attracted by each other.

At our clinic, you can receive support and counselling about any issue linked to sexuality.