What It Means To Be Sex Positive

Intimacy—holding hands, sharing a hug, or having sex—can have long-lasting positive effects on our health and psychological well-being. Learning and understanding more about intimacy is related to the term "sex-positive." Sex positivity refers to having positive attitudes about consensual sexual activity related to healthy relationships and self-expression.

Sex-positive is not a new term. The term goes back to the 1920s and has resurfaced at different moments in popular culture over the years. Here's what you need to know, including examples of sex positivity, its benefits, and how to become sex-positive.

What Does Sex Positive Mean?

People who are sex-positive see sex as normal and healthy. They are also willing to learn more about their bodies and those of others. Topics of interest can also include ones such as consent, intimacy, and sex communication.

It also means they're open to embracing and exploring their sexuality and that of others respectfully, non-judgmentally, and without shame. Components of that sexuality can include sexual behavior, gender, sexual identity, and anatomy.

"Being sex positive doesn't necessarily mean that you're having an increased frequency of sexual behavior, or sexual encounters, or sexual arousal, but it does mean that you have an openness and a non-judgmental attitude toward engaging in sex, talking about sex, being open to other people talking about sex," Theo Burnes, Ph.D., a psychologist practicing in Los Angeles and a professor of clinical education at Rossier School of Education, University of Southern California, told Health.

Examples of Sex Positivity

Sex positivity doesn't only have to do with sex-positive experiences and ideas. Burnes said that sex positivity can also be about fighting for people who work in the sex industry, making sure they have equal rights and that their work is decriminalized.

It can include advocating for accurate sex education that is not abstinence-only or fear-based. Sex positivity can also focus on understanding sex in the media—and that sexualized pornography, movies, or ads tend to portray some types of people yet leave others out, said Burnes.

Being sex positive can also mean being the person a friend can come out to or go to with "their own fears, their own internalized stigma, sometimes their own shame," said Burnes. Someone might call you, as a sex-positive person, and say, "I'm really nervous about trying this new experience with my partner, and I want to talk to somebody about it," explained Burnes.

What Is the Sex-Positive Movement?

Sex positivity isn't just a concept that people identify with—it's also a political and social movement. "One of the things that really started that movement is this idea that sexuality has been often talked about as secretive, shameful, unhealthy, and that being overtly sexual in any kind of way—whether that's talking about it, whether that's having conversations about it—is problematic," said Burnes.

The sex-positive movement—which also says each person's preferences are regarded as their own choice, without judgment—has been around for a long time. However, Burnes explained that celebrities like Lady Gaga, Amber Rose, Jessica Biel, and Lizzo have spurred more conversations about sex positivity after speaking publicly about their experiences:

• Body acceptance
• Sexual assault
• Sexual health and responsibility
• Sexuality
• Slut shaming

How Does Sex Positivity Affect Health?

In general, being sex-positive is healthy and important for sexual health. "To many, being sexually healthy includes being comfortable with your own sexuality and making decisions related to and communicating about it," Rachel Needle, PsyD, a psychologist in West Palm Beach, Fla., and the co-director of Modern Sex Therapy Institutes, a company that trains couples and sex therapists around the world, told Health.

Being sexually healthy can also mean:

• Enjoying sexual pleasure
• Having access to healthcare, including reproductive healthcare
• Having better communication skills with partner(s) so people are more likely to get what they want and need
• Knowing how to avoid unintended pregnancy and minimize the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and accessing treatment if needed

According to Burnes, having sex-positive views can enhance your mental well-being, too. "That can mean decreased amounts of feelings of isolation, which can lead to things like depression and anxiety, [as well as a] decrease in shame and stigma, which can also lead to building resilience," said Burnes.

How Do You Become More Sex-Positive?

The sex-positive movement has grown from a time when sex was a taboo topic perceived as shameful and embarrassing. The U.S. "has improved its understanding of sexual consent, pleasure, functioning, identity, orientation, behaviors, and expression," Rosara Torrisi, PhD, certified sex therapist and director of The Long Island Institute of Sex Therapy, told Health. Below are ways to increase your sex positivity or become more sex-positive.

Focus on Advocating for Consent

Emphasizing consent is always a must. Sex positivity doesn't mean you disregard the need for consent, said Torrisi. "It's not about encouraging folks to have a certain sexual orientation, minimum or maximum number of partners, or engage in certain behaviors during sex," explained Torrisi. "Expectations and pressure for anything about sexuality is inherently anti-sex positivity."

Know "Sex-Positive" Can Describe Anyone

Anyone can be sex-positive. Sex positivity is all about a person's point of view on sex.

"Sex positivity has little to do with what your sexual behaviors, identities, etc. are and much more about your perspective about sexuality," said Torrisi. "It doesn't matter if you've had sex with only yourself, a million people, or no one. Sex positivity is a set of values that is inclusive and nurturing of your own and others' sexuality. It's not just for polyamorous and kinky folks."

Recognize Sex as an Individual Experience

It's important to understand sex and sexual experiences as being personal. "We're still grappling with dual realities about sex in this country," said Torrisi. "We are on one hand obsessed with sexuality, and on the other hand, we are terrified of sexuality. Either end of this spectrum isn't sex positivity. Recognizing the nuances, the lived realities of billions of individuals, each with their own valid truths, now that's sex positivity."

Seek Chances for Discussion and Education

Sex has been recognized as a normal part of life that should be talked about and discussed openly. It also helps to identify the culture many Americans were raised in, "where we're constantly bombarded with images that sex is something we should think about but never talk about," said Burnes.

Next, Burnes suggested thinking about whether you want to see a therapist, read some books, or visit different websites to help you navigate what being sex-positive will look like for you. "Being sex positive doesn't necessarily mean that [you're] going to go and have certain sexual encounters—although if that's something that someone wants to do, that's great and awesome, as long as they're safe, consensual, and communicative," said Burnes.

A Quick Review

Being sex-positive means being open to learning more about your body and other people's bodies and embracing sexuality in a respectful, non-judgmental way. Sex positivity is rooted in a sociopolitical movement to help people understand sex as normal and healthy.

Sex positivity can also benefit sexual health, playing a role in mental health and physical well-being related to sex. You can become more sex-positive by educating yourself about the movement and ideals or seeking opportunities to discuss and understand sex healthily.