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Lesson
The “S” Word

Sex is part of a person’s sexuality. It should be discussed openly so it can be better

understood.

At the end of this module, you are expected to be able to:

1. discusses basic terms in sexuality as an important component of one’s

personality; and

2. explains the dimensions of human sexuality.

Warming Up!
Activity: Pick and Select
Directions: Loop at least five words that describe sexuality.

E M O T I O N V F E M A L E T H

S A B I T S T H A K M E N Q S I

E S Q W E G E N D E R A S D F L

X H Z V H C S D T X D C L B N R

K A V X P E R S O N A L I T Y E
 Let’s Find Out
In many cultures, including traditional Philippine culture, the word “sex”
is not often used or heard in ordinary, everyday conversation. To certain people
an open discussion of the subject of sex is bad, disrespectful, and offensive. The
words “sex”, however, actually has a deeper meaning. It is part of a person’s
sexuality, which plays an important role in his or her overall personality.

Sexuality is the total expression of oneself as a human being–who you

are, what you say, feel, or do; how you think and interact with others–are all part
of sexuality. Your likes and dislikes also make up your sexuality.

Dimensions of Sexuality
In order to better understand sexuality, it would help to study its dimensions.
These dimensions provide different ways of viewing and explaining human
sexuality.

Biological Dimension
This dimension explains how the physical body works. The word sex in this
dimension can mean one of two things. First, it tells you if you are a male or
female based on your reproductive system. If you have testicles, you are male. If
you have ovaries, you are a female.

Sex is also a term used to refer to physical intercourse with another

person. This way, sex and sexuality are related through the biological dimension.

There are also other factors that can be explained using biological
dimension of sexuality. These include:

a. How a person look like because of genetics

b. The ability of a person to reproduce

c. How the body reacts to cycles such as menstruation

d. The responses of the body to the surroundings

Psychological Dimension
This dimension explains how you think and feel about yourself. This include
your emotions. Emotions explain your mood or response to a particular
situation. Your emotions affect the way you think about yourself and others. If
you feel happy, you tend to be more confident in presenting yourself to others. If
you are sad, you are more likely to avoid interacting with other people.

The following are factors that can explained using psychological dimension
of sexuality. These includes:

a. You may choose the way you want to express yourself.

b. You choose the activities to engage in based on your interests.

c. You choose the way you communicate with others.

Sociocultural Dimension
The term “sociocultural” comes from the two words: society and culture. This
dimension of sexuality explains how society (where a person belongs) and the
culture (that the person practices) affects his or her sexuality. For example, a
Muslim woman prefers to cover her body with a hijab. The way she presents
herself to others is affected by her religion, Islam.

The following are factors that can explained using psychological dimension
of sexuality. These includes:

a. Some families express their love for each other through physical contact.

b. Friends, as members of society, influence your interests and hobbies.

c. Cultures have different ways of showing respect.

Sex and Gender

People often exchange the meaning of the words sex and gender. Is there really
a difference?

Gender represents an important part of sexuality. It cuts across the three

dimensions. Gender refers to the roles, behaviors, and attitudes that a person
has in relation to his or her sex. While sex is just being a male or a female based
on biological characteristics such as chromosomes, hormones, reproductive
organs, and genitalia. Gender has many options. The words gay, lesbian, and
transgender are all different types of gender. These are labels that people use to
further describe their sex.

For example, a person’s sex may be male (having a penis), but he may act
and live like a female. This makes his gender gay.

Checking Learning

Activity 1: Thumbs Up  or Thumbs Down

Directions: Write check () on the activities and preferences you do in your
childhood.

Thumbs Up Thumbs Down

Childhood Activities/Preferences
 
1. Plays water guns
2. Plays dolls
3. Wears Polo shirt and pants
4. Wears blouse and skirts
5. Likes to be with boy playmates
6. Likes to be with girl playmates
7. Likes to have a short haircut
8. Likes to put ribbons and clips in the hair
Activity 2: Name Me!

Directions: Identify the words/phrases in column A, whether it is sex,

sexuality, and gender. Write your answers on column B.

Column B
Column A
(sex, sexuality, gender)
1. male/female
2. girl/boy
3. fantasize as a Disney princess
4. feminine/masculine
5. LGBTQIA+

Activity 3: YOUnique

Directions: List at least 3 descriptions of yourself on the MIND MAP that

makes you unique.

What do you like most about

yourself?


Describe your
physical appearance

 What are your

values and skills as
 a teenager?





My Reflection
Write a reflection on the things you learned in this lesson and their relevance
to you. Tell how you can apply what you have learned in your daily life and cite
specific instances in which you feel these learnings will come handy.

HEALTH CHECK