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Sexually Transmitted Diseases

from: YOUNG EAGLES’ CHALLENGE: A Peer Education Training Manual for First Nations Youth on HIV/AIDS and Related Issues

Sexual orientation is about who we are attracted to. It is not about choices, except whether we act on our attractions. Sexual orientation can include straight, gay, or bisexual. Gender identity is about whether we identify as male, female or transgendered which is now also known as Inter-sexed. It is easier to identify the physical gender of someone (a boy has a penis, a girl has a vagina) but some people are born one gender at birth yet feel trapped in the wrong body. So someone can be born female yet feel they are more male and vice versa. Thus they likely will go through life facing many struggles and turmoil, causing some to have a sex change operation.

Concept of Two-Spiritedness:

In many, if not all First Nations, there would have been words in the various languages which would have described what is now commonly called Two-Spirited. It refers to people who may also call themselves gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered in today's society. Traditions may vary, yet it appears that before European contact, First Nations would have accepted individuals who were Two-Spirited because they were viewed as being different for a reason. It was not so much their sexual behaviors, but more the fact they were believed to have insight into both sexes (male/female), thus being Two-Spirited.

There is a wide diversity of sexual expressions, and it really is a matter of getting to know yourself and your partner(s) in a truly intimate way. It is about knowing what you like and do not like. Your sexual identity has much to do with how you choose to express yourself sexually. For example, if you are Two-Spirited (gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered), then your identity means you are attracted to certain types of people.
However, even within a category or group, individuals can have different types of sexual expressions. These choices relate directly to who you are and what you find satisfying.

NEGOTIATING SAFER SEX

This is where safer sex comes into play. Safer sex is about knowing what risks there are with certain sexual practices and finding ways to reduce these risks. The only true safe sex is to have no sex - which for many people is not a reality. Some sexual acts are less risky or have no risk, such as masturbation or breast sex (rubbing penis between the breasts).

Unless there is a deep open sore or cut, sperm which lands on the outside of the body is generally no risk. It is important to recognize that not having sex is as much a part of this section, as is teaching about safer sex. Everyone, whether they have never had sex before, are currently having sex, or are exploring new areas, are included and their individual choices need to be recognized and respected. This manual is not about telling youth what they must do or encouraging anyone to have sex. It only wants to teach that if you are going to have sex, that you be aware of all consequences and responsibilities, and that you can always change your mind about whether you act on your sexual energies. Negotiating safer sex is about making sure you talk with your sexual partner(s) about how far you are willing to go sexually. If you have knowledge of your body, how it functions sexually, your desires and what safer sex practices there are, and if you have motivation (to finish high school or to stay disease-free to avoid becoming sterile so you can have babies) then you need skills. These skills help you negotiate, communicate, and assert yourself, and putting on a condom if you are to have sex can mean you have the tools to make what are called healthy decisions. Only you can protect yourself, and only you can express what really is on your mind and in your heart. People cannot read minds, so if you can find the courage to speak about these issues with your partner(s), then you can feel safer. Although it is not easy, with skills, practice and the right partner you can learn to express yourself and make sure you take steps to stay healthy. It is important to have boundaries and to learn ways to let others know not to cross your boundaries.