Reflection

Reflection

Human sexuality is how you think of your self.  As individuals humans claim identities, however, we all think differently and so how we think of ourselves comes from our own unique perspective.  For example, I am a woman, and so that identity has many different roles to fill.  However, what I think it means to be a woman may be different than what you think it means to be a woman.  We may both be women, but even within that category it is individualized.  This is only important to understand because we are all different and so do not need to assume or apply how we think to others, but would be better off if we just asked them and talked about it.

Sex is a very intimate and valuable gift from God.  Not only do we procreate through sex, but we join with a person and “become one”.  It is so intimate that I believe it needs to be saved for marriage and anything outside of marriage can be very harmful.  This is my belief however, and I have no judgement for those that believe differently.

Sex can also be abused and many people are being sexually exploited.

• “Globally, the International Labor Organization estimates that there are 4.5 million people trapped in forced sexual exploitation globally” (www.polarisproject.org).

This is an absolute injustice that is occurring and being avoided or even accepted.  It honestly disgusts me and hurts me to think about all of the people being sexually exploited.  They are living in horrible conditions being used over and over with no way out.  There is so much power and deception that those who are enslave begin to think that it is their own fault and just submit.  Many lose hope and begin to believe what they are really told, that they are worthless.

“The sex industry is a 57+ billion worldwide business annually” (thewhiterosemovement.com).  It is made up of many different forms of sexual acts.  Pornography plays a huge role in the sex industry and is so damaging to all the individuals who are involved.  From those who produce Porn to those that purchase it.  It is very damaging to relationships and how you see those of the opposite sex as objects instead of individuals.  However, Porn is just one small part of the sex industry and the many others can be just as damaging if not more and all require healing.

We need to fight for healthy sexual identities in which we are confident in ourselves and are never forced into any form of sexual act, but always have the power to say no.  Our culture is still far from this and yet as we shed light on the injustices and the importance of each individual we strive for a world free of slavery.

Human Sexuality is very important because it impacts who we are and therefore how we act, which impacts others.  Sex is also a very big deal and needs to be discussed because it has a great impact on development.  Which I have learned through my classes and applied when looking at the impact of the women and men stuck in sex slavery.  There is so much healing that needs to happen and it is an entire process of rehabilitation, which the Homestead has taken on and been a part of for a number of women.  However, the sex industry is huge and many people do not know, so we not only need to be aware ourselves, but we need to talk about it.   Each individual is worth it.