The term diversity covers both, the varieties of „being human“ and the value judgements that are associated with it. It was coined by sociologists to describe the coexistence of differences and common traits among human beings relating them to the predominant social value judgements. The diversity approach is used to analyze Read more…
Gender Identity is a part of our identity: the deeply rooted sense of belonging to a certain gender “category” offered by the society or not. This sensation can deviate from the physical sex and develops in the brain. Since gender identity is felt, it is not visible. It is filled Read more…
Hate Speech refers to statements that are intended to insult, humiliate, or belittle individuals or groups with specific characteristics. It also often invokes violence against these people. Hate speech doesn’t happen accidentally; it is more than an insult or an unintentional choice of words. Its purpose is to belittle and Read more…
Colloquially, the terms “masculinity” and “femininity” are used to refer to a certain idea of appearance, values, social roles, behaviour, attitudes and professional interests. These ideas are linked to certain stereotypes that prevail in a society. However, stereotypes are not “natural”. They are influenced by social norms that are considered Read more…
The World Health Organization regional office and Federal Center for Health Education in Germany (BZgA) provide a good example for Europe-wide „standards for sexuality education“. We use these standards as well as the national and international legal frameworks and recommendations as guidelines in our work. The trained people who take on Read more…
The topic of sex is often approached with an essentially negative attitude (i.e. brushing children off for asking questions, the idea of impurity vs. virginity/purity etc.). Essentially, sex positivity is the concept of sexual freedom as part of sexual and reproductive rights and gender equality. It is the common ground Read more…
Sexual Consent… is… – a voluntary, enthusiastic yes – un-assumed – mandatory can be… – verbal – non-verbal – withdrawn at any point – for some things and not others © Hannah Witton, “Doing it” p. 118 And what if you are not 100% sure that you are Read more…
…is more than „the birds and the bees“. The aim of sexual education is to open up a room for the discussion of different topics and enabling people to make self-determined decisions concerning their own sexuality and sexual identity. Comprehensive sexual education contains topics like consent, gender roles, media, anatomy, Read more…
Sexual Orientation is a part of a person’s identity and is about who you are attracted to and want to have (sexual) relationships with. There are several categories for sexual orientations, but it’s up to you to decide to use them. Sometimes categories are helpful to clarify or address something. Read more…
First of all: sexuality is relevant in every stage of life — in different ways. Within the document “Standards for Sexuality Education in Europe” published by the WHO Regional Office for Europe and the Federal Centre for Health Education in Germany (BZgA) you can find the comprehensive definition of sexuality for professionals Read more…