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 in the field of sexual education.
„Sexuality is a central aspect of being human throughout life and encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction. Sexuality is experienced and expressed in thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviours, practices, roles and relationships. While sexuality can include all of these dimensions, not all of them are always experienced or expressed. Sexuality is influenced by the interaction of biological, psycho- logical, social, economic, political, ethical, legal, historical, religious and spiritual factors.”
© WHO and BZgA 2010, p.17
* The common understanding of relevant terms of sexual education is an important fact in order to discuss and communicate about sexuality “unexcited”. Our goal is to open these discussions and to inform about our attitude and background. The definition of this glossary content we have agreed on as a project team to prove best practice and quality assurance.
