Portal:Human sexuality
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Welcome to the human sexuality portal
Human sexuality is the way people experience and express themselves sexually. This involves biological, psychological, physical, erotic, emotional, social, or spiritual feelings and behaviors. Because it is a broad term which has varied within different historical contexts, it lacks a precise definition. The biological and physical aspects of sexuality largely concern the human reproductive functions, including the human sexual response cycle.
Someone's sexual orientation is their pattern of sexual interest in the opposite and/or same sex. Physical and emotional aspects of sexuality include bonds between individuals that are expressed through profound feelings or physical manifestations of love, trust, and care. Social aspects deal with the effects of human society on one's sexuality, while spirituality concerns an individual's spiritual connection with others. Sexuality also affects and is affected by cultural, political, legal, philosophical, moral, ethical, and religious aspects of life.
Interest in sexual activity normally increases when an individual reaches puberty. Although no single theory on the cause of sexual orientation has yet gained widespread support, there is considerably more evidence supporting nonsocial causes of sexual orientation than social ones, especially for males. Hypothesized social causes are supported by only weak evidence, distorted by numerous confounding factors. This is further supported by cross-cultural evidence because the incidence of homosexuality is not significantly higher in cultures that are more tolerant of it.
Evolutionary perspectives on human coupling, reproduction and reproduction strategies, and social learning theory provide further views of sexuality. Sociocultural aspects of sexuality include historical developments and religious beliefs. Some cultures have been described as sexually repressive. The study of sexuality also includes human identity within social groups, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and birth control methods. (Full article...)
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While anal sex is commonly associated with male homosexuality, research shows that not all gay males engage in anal sex and that it is not uncommon in heterosexual relationships. Types of anal sex can also be a part of lesbian sexual practices. People may experience pleasure from anal sex by stimulation of the anal nerve endings, and orgasm may be achieved through anal penetration – by indirect stimulation of the prostate in men, indirect clitoral/G-spot stimulation in women, and associated sensory nerves (especially the pudendal nerve). However, people may also find anal sex painful, sometimes extremely so, which may be primarily due to psychological factors in some cases. (Full article...)
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Did you know
- ... that in the United States, sex in public bathrooms is more frequent in bars than in restaurants?
- ... that the brothel Bon Ton is described by the BBC as "an ideal showcase for New Zealand-style liberalisation"?
- ... that She Has a Name is a Canadian play about child prostitution in Thailand?
- ... that Haesindang Park (pictured), on the eastern coast of South Korea, is also known as "Penis Park", due to its statues representative of phallic architecture ?
- ... that the Chonga (Chonga style pictured) has become a Miami icon, influencing fashion in South Florida and beyond?
- ... that North Preston's Finest is a gang of pimps based just northeast of Metropolitan Halifax in Nova Scotia, Canada?
May - December 2012
Human sexuality in the news
- 3 October 2025 – Trial of Sean Combs
- A court in Manhattan, New York, United States, sentences musician Sean Combs to four years and two months in prison for prostitution-related charges. (BBC News)
- 26 September 2025 – LGBTQ rights in Slovakia
- Slovakia passes a constitutional amendment stating there are only two genders. Only married couples have the right to adopt, which de facto prevents same-sex couples from adopting, while also banning surrogacy. (Politico)
- 23 September 2025 – Russo-Ukrainian war (2022–present)
- The United Nations reports that Russian authorities subject civilian detainees in occupied Ukrainian territories to widespread torture, including sexual violence, while also documenting cases of ill-treatment of detainees held by Ukrainian authorities. (AFP via CNA)
- 23 September 2025 – 2025 British anti-immigration protests
- An English magistrates' court sentences an Ethiopian asylum-seeker to 12 months in prison for sexually assaulting a woman and a 14-year-old girl, an incident that triggered nationwide protests over migration policies and the housing of asylum-seekers in hotels. (AP)
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For editor resources and to collaborate with other editors on improving Wikipedia's Human sexuality-related articles, see WikiProject Sexology and sexuality.
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- Cleanup listing for WikiProject Sexology and sexuality — bot-generated list of articles within the scope of this WikiProject tagged as needing attention
- Cleanup listing for WikiProject LGBT studies — bot-generated list of articles within the scope of this WikiProject tagged as needing attention
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