Download Promoting the health of men who have sex with men

PROMOTING
THE HEALTH OF MEN
WHO HAVE SEX WITH
MEN WORLDWIDE
A training curriculum
for providers
Module 2:
Sexuality and Health
2
Learning Objectives
3
1
Define basic concepts and terms concerning male sexuality
2
Describe the anatomy and physiology of male sex organs
3
Understand the importance of sexual health among gay men and
other MSM
Module Overview
4
1
Key sexuality and gender-related terms
2
Basic male reproductive anatomy
3
Commonly-reported sexual practices of gay men and other MSM
4
Importance and relevance of sexual health for gay men and other
MSM
5
Sexual and reproductive rights for gay men and other MSM
Introduction
‘Sexuality’ is the way a person expresses themselves sexually
5
1
Gay men and other MSM express their sexuality in part through
activities with other men
2
Same-sex behavior is a normal expression of human sexuality
Sexual Health
•
According to the World Health Organization, sexual health is:
“…a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in
relation to sexuality: it is not merely the absence of disease,
dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and
respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as
the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free
from coercion, discrimination, and violence. For sexual health to be
attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be
respected, protected and fulfilled.”
6
Sexual Health Rights
Sexual health cannot be achieved and maintained without respect
for other human rights, including the right to:
1. Equality and non-discrimination
2. Be free from torture
3. Privacy
4. The highest attainable standard of health and social security
5. Marry and found a family
6. Decide the number and spacing of one’s children
7. Information and education
8. Freedom of opinion and expression
9. An effective remedy for violations of rights
10. Assembly
7
Group Activity
Perceptions of Sexual Health
8
Key Terms
Sex
•
•
•
9
Chromosomes
Hormones
Internal/external
sex organs
Sexual Orientation
•
Emotional,
romantic, or
sexual attraction
felt toward
another individual
of any sex or
gender
Sexual Identity
•
•
•
Gay
Bisexual
Straight
Key Terms
Gender
•
10
Attitudes, feelings,
and behaviors
associated with a
person’s sex
•
Gender Identity
Gender Expression
One’s sense of
oneself as male,
female, or
transgender
•
The way a person
expresses their
gender through
dress, hairstyle,
mannerisms, or
other behaviors
Male Sex Anatomy
Group Activity
Erogenous Zones
12
Sexual Practices of MSM
1.
Penetrative anal sex
8.
Thigh sex
2.
Kissing and hugging
9.
Sex toys
3.
Dry sex or rubbing
10.
Group sex
4.
Frottage
11.
Watersports
5.
Masturbation (self/mutual)
12.
6.
Bondage, discipline, dominance,
submission, sadism, masochism
Oral sex (fellatio)
7. Anal stimulation (rimming or
fingering)
13
Why talk about sexual health?
•
•
To respect the human rights of gay men and other MSM
Gay men and other MSM are at increased risk for:
HIV
•
•
•
Due to biological, social, structural,
and behavioral factors
STIs and other infections
•
Syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia,
viral hepatitis A/B, herpes simplex
virus, HPV, MRSA
STIs are associated with increased risk for HIV infection
Health of gay men and other MSM is not only related to HIV or STIs
o Must include intimacy, relationships, sexual pleasure
14
The Larger Context
15
1
Social determinants of health greatly influence health inequities
2
Negative attitudes about homosexuality harm the health of gay
men and other MSM health
3
Internalized homophobia compounds other areas of people’s
lives where they experience discrimination
4
Evolving and new approaches to gay men’s sexual health are
necessary
Sexual and Reproductive Rights
16
1
Access to the highest attainable standard of health is a
human right
2
Gay men and other MSM are often neglected through
silence, denial, or outright exclusion
3
Criminalization of same-sex behavior violates the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
4
Direct and respectful engagement with gay men and other MSM
is necessary to design appropriate programs and policies
Summary
17
1
Sexuality, including same-sex activities, is a natural component
of being human
2
Sexual health is physical, emotional, mental, and social
well-being in relation to sexuality
3
Sexual identity, attraction, behavior, gender, gender identity,
and gender expression are fluid and may not align
4
Social determinants of health greatly influence health inequities
5
Understanding the factors that undermine sexual health for gay
men and other MSM forms the basis for robust programming
and policy responses