Are You Open-Minded & Comfortable With Sex?

This is Part One of a two-part series by Janell Ariela. Born and raised in Staten Island, New York, twenty-six year old Janell Ariela is in pursuit of her Sexology education and career. She is very passionate about her career choice and takes it very seriously, with exceptions of it being fun and healthy. As a child, Janell has always been intrigued by health and sexuality. She is currently working on her Bachelors in Women's, Gender & Sexuality, and minoring in Psychology. Ms. Yik will attain a Masters in Human Sexuality and a PhD in Clinical Sexology in the near future. She cannot wait to graduate and network with more Sex Educators, Sex Geeks and Sexologists to make this world a safer and sex positive world. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

This article will be about nothing but fun and healthy Sex and Sexuality. It will be a judgment free zone; the goal is to show you that there is a word called ‘respect.’ I am NOT here to preach or change minds. This will be up to you to do so, to learn how to become more understanding, loving, and open-minded for yourself.

Different views and beliefs can be a beautiful thing! The world is very diverse; there will be things you have never heard of, or have never 
seen, which does not make them wrong or right. What we should try to do is keep an open mind and respect differences, the same way you would like to be respected. Consider that what is acceptable in our culture may seem strange or offensive in another’s. Find out if you really want to become more comfortable and open-minded. 

• Ethnocentrism is the belief in superiority of one’s personal ethnic group, but it can also develop from racial or religious differences. Ethnocentric individuals believe that they are better than other individuals for reasons based solely on their heritage.

Controversial topics will arise; my duty is to combat ethnocentrism and try to broaden your horizons with Sex and Sexuality. We were all raised differently, especially on the topic of Sex. We are all conditioned to our own cultural norms. This may make one cast false assumptions and dispersions on other cultures, and become ethnocentric.

The beauty of it is that your Sex is YOURS, and it can and will be different from others'!

The goal is to make you realize the world is not just black and white (there are many shades of grey), and to make you comfortable with Sex and Sexuality. Many of us aren’t as comfortable and/or may think we are comfortable but really aren’t. Breaking the complacency that one may develop on the topic of sex is beneficial. Not only will it help you in your Sex life; it may also encourage “escaping comfort zones” within everyday life as well. 

I want you to be comfortable saying the word Sex, thinking about it, and doing it. I want it to be first nature for everyone, because we fail to see that it actually is.

There are many quotes, statements, and sayings that would be very inspirational, and would make you look at Sex in ways you have never before. I would really like you to explore Sex in your own way, for yourself, with my guidance. If you have to take baby steps, take baby steps; just know that I myself and others like me will be understanding towards every single person as long as respect is included.

Ask yourself:

1. How do I view Sex?
2. Why do I view Sex in the way I do, and/or what caused me to view Sex the way I do (culture, experiences, other people's influences)?
3. Do I like the way I view Sex?

I really do hope you will be patient and stick around for more!